In a significant stride toward strengthening cricket development in the region, Kuwait Cricket Club (KCC) successfully hosted the ICC Level-1 Coaching Course 2025 from 27th to 31st May at the Sulaibiya Cricket Ground.
This prestigious five-day program, designed to elevate grassroots and elite coaching standards, was led by ICC-accredited educators Mr. Tariq Rasool Shah and Mr. Tahir Khan, with Ms. Khadija Khalil—Kuwait U19 Women’s team coach and ICC-certified tutor—joining as a tutor. Mr. Qasim Ali, Head Coach and Development Manager of Kuwait National Teams, served as the Assessor and Mentor, guiding both tutors and participants with his vast international experience.
The course brought together a diverse group of passionate participants, including current and former national players, academy and academic coaches, school-level mentors, and community cricket organizers. Upon successful completion, each participant will earn an internationally recognized ICC coaching certification, positioning them to play an active role in advancing cricket in Kuwait and beyond.
Participants and Their Backgrounds:
• Renil Raj – Academy Coach
• Ashley Christopher Eagan – Academic Coach
• Vicky Pradeep Waghmare – Academic Coach
• Bhavani, Shanthi Balasubramanian, Suchitha Lita D’sa – Women’s National Players
• Patel Usman Gani, Mohammad Amin, Nawaf Ahmed – National Players
• Sibtain Raza Shah, Abdullah Ghullam Hussain, Muhammad Ahsan Naseer, Amer Qamer Ud Din – Former National Players
• Sargunam Parthiban, Kalaivani Santhoshkumar, Farida Banu – Sports Teachers (Kalaivani also an ex-national player)
• Shaikh Munir – Sports Organizer
• Hywel Pinto – Box Cricket Organizer
• Krunal Patil – Fast Bowling Specialist & School-level Coach
• Tariq Hussain – Level 0 Coach (Kuwait Cricket)
The certificate handover ceremony was a proud moment, graced by Mr. Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket. In his address, Mr. Ashraf commended the unwavering dedication and professionalism of tutors Tahir Khan, Tariq Rasool, and Khadija Khalil, whose tireless efforts made the course a resounding success. He also acknowledged Qasim Ali’s mentorship, which significantly enriched the course experience.
Mr. Ashraf conducted a lively interactive session with the participants, collecting feedback and emphasizing Kuwait Cricket’s commitment to ongoing development—highlighting plans for an ICC Level-2 Coaching Course later this year. Also in attendance was Mr. Naveen Jayan, Head of Match Officials & Technical and a key member of the High Performance Committee, further underscoring the event’s importance.
This initiative represents a major milestone in Kuwait Cricket’s long-term vision to build a sustainable and high-quality coaching ecosystem, aligned with the country’s growing cricketing ambitions at both grassroots and elite levels.
