Fiji Men’s Cricket assistant coach Jone Seuvou has warned that the lack of facilities and limited international exposure are continuing to stall the sport’s development in Fiji, after the national team’s campaign at the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) T20 World Cup Qualifier in Japan last month. Seuvou said the gap between Fiji and its regional rivals remains wide, and that without substantial investment in infrastructure and more regular fixtures, the island nation will struggle to compete at higher levels.
Seuvou singled out the absence of a dedicated cricket turf as a major shortcoming. “We can’t do much. All we can do is give our best during our training sessions. But we need these things like the turf and many more games if we want to grow,” he said, stressing that training on substandard surfaces and practising without regular match practice undermines player development and match readiness.
The assistant coach also highlighted a stark difference in match exposure. He said other countries routinely play more than 50 matches a year ahead of World Cup qualifiers, allowing players to gain experience in varied conditions and competitive situations. Fiji, by contrast, has only sporadic international opportunities, a situation Seuvou says limits tactical growth, player confidence and the ability to test new talent under pressure.
Funding remains a recurrent concern, according to Seuvou, who called on administrators and stakeholders to prioritise cricket in upcoming budgets and development plans. He argued that securing a world-class turf and arranging regular international fixtures — whether through hosting regional tournaments or arranging bilateral series — would lift standards and make Fiji more competitive in qualifiers.
The plea comes against a backdrop of some recent government investment in sport infrastructure: the Coalition Government allocated $2 million in the 2024-2025 budget for the restoration of Govind Park in Ba, aiming to revive a key venue for tournaments and community events. Seuvou’s comments underscore that while some sporting venues have received funding, cricket infrastructure has not seen comparable attention.
Seuvou’s remarks set out a clear agenda for Cricket Fiji, potential sponsors and government agencies ahead of the next qualifying cycle. With the EAP qualifier now concluded, the focus will shift to how administrators respond to calls for improved facilities and a more consistent international programme that can help close the gap with better-resourced regional teams.