"Also, they genuinely feel that this is a game where the Asians have an equal chance as the others. They already have 36 teams and coaches producing 600 boys who can play the game every three or four months."

CHINESE CRICKET

The Chinese Cricket Association's (CCA) goal is to have 15,000 cricketers by 2009, rising to 60,000 by 2012 and 150,000 by 2020.

Jiang Zhenyuan, a director in the CCA's development committee, told Reuters: "If cricket is included in the Asian Games, it would really help in the sport's development.

"First of all, though, we have to improve our performances. Once we do that, it would be easier to persuade the authorities to include us in the Asian Games."

In August, the CCA sent officials to the ACC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur, featuring the non test-playing, second-tier teams in Asia. The event was won by United Arab Emirates, who defeated Hong Kong in the final.

Jiang said he hoped China could field a competitive team in the tournament within the next "five to six years".

Hong Kong, a former British colony that has an active cricket league, could also play a role in China's cricketing development.

After all, the CCA was initially inspired to ramp up their development programme after visiting the 2004 Hong Kong International Sixes.

Hong Kong has helped China's rugby union development by allowing club teams from across the border to take part in their own domestic league.

Jiang said China would be keen for a similar partnership in cricket.

"If we can have clubs or players who can have a chance to play in Hong Kong or abroad, it will provide them with a great chance to play the game at a competitive level," Jiang said.

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