Plateau State’s cricket team might be on the verge of losing one of its key players to neighbouring Niger, Kwara, or FCT squads, Sports247 reports.
This follows a hint served by the versatile player, Anah Sunday, who disclosed that the level of support cricket is getting in Plateau State is not good enough.
The youngster, who is also a boxer, started by explaining various positions in the game of cricket and pointed out that he can feature in two of them effectively.
Anah stated, “I’m a batter and a fielder, but I don’t bowl. In cricket, we have batman, bowler, fieldman and wicket keeper.
“Those who stand behind the wicket are like goalkeepers. We call them wicket keeper. They have to be smart and stay alert, because they will be the ones watching the opponent and have to tell the bowler what to do.
“He directs the bowler, tells him where to throw the ball, and he has to be fast. You cannot be slow while being a wicket keeper.”
The enterprising and highly exuberant lad then opened up about the low level of support cricket is getting in Plateau State, hence his thought of either switching to boxing or relocate to another territory to continue playing.
Anah declared, “We encourage ourselves in the sport, but the support from our state is very, very poor. We don’t have enough equipment to train with in Plateau State, but our coaches always do their best to keep us active.
“It’s only when there are matches that they call us because they cannot be taking care of us if there is no competition. They cannot afford things like feeding, transportation and welfare.
“So, it’s only a month before a festival or competition that they will call us together and then try their best to support us from their own pocket.
“Sometimes, when we are about to travel, we expect the state to assist us, but they will usually be slow. It makes me get discouraged, and sometimes I think of changing to boxing.
“I’m also a boxer, but I really like cricket. If there is support, I would prefer to stay in cricket, because it’s a nice game.
“That’s why I may look at another state where I can go to keep up with my cricket training … maybe FCT, Niger or Kwara. I really love cricket but I need more encouragement to play it.”
