All the Participants and KCA officials with Course instructor Grant Patterson

In the view of ACC Chief Executive Syed Ashraful Huq, “this kind of long-term, closely-knit program whereby knowledge is pooled and shared by all is unique in cricket administration and it is something that will have a tremendous impact on cricket in Asia. Without quality surfaces you cannot have quality cricket.”

As part of their remit the NZSTI has developed a Curator Training Program, which is designed to build up a pool of experienced curators throughout Asia. These curators will in turn help to pass on the theory and practice of pitch and outfield maintenance and preparation. "Establishing a quality curator ship industry in Asia will not happen overnight", McAuliffe warns. "The three year training program has achieved the first step in developing and sharing knowledge on the art and science of pitch maintenance and preparation, but there is still much to be done." Senior consultants from the Institute are also working with cricket associations throughout Asia to help develop quality natural turf outfields, practice pitches and wicket blocks. The Institute will be scheduling its next visits to the Asian region early in 2005, focusing on those countries and associations that need their expertise During the seminar Kuwait had all sorts of weather conditions from bright sunshine to heavy rains. Thus participants were briefed and went through practical sessions about care and maintenance of turf wickets in all weathers. Course participants, KCA officials and large number of guests attended the closing dinner. Speaking during the closing ceremony Gul Muhammad Khan, a participant from Qatar, acknowledged the extreme usefulness of the course and said “With Qatar expecting to have turf pitches in very near future this course will go long way to lay down the same in professional way”. Course instructor Grant Patterson said “Though he has been to many countries for professional assignments but perhaps it is the best hospitality he had received anywhere”. He also appreciated KCA event management and thanked KCA officials for making excellent arrangements”All the guests participants thanked ACC for holding this seminar. They also thanked KCA and Asad Baig for organizing it in extremely professional way and making excellent arrangements for the seminar. It is worth mentioning that ground curators from two established centers, Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Sharjah) and Shaikh Zayad Stadium ( Abu Dhabi) also attended the course and shared their experiences with other course mates. It was the first occasion that UAE has participated in any cricket activity in Kuwait. Sudakar Shetty, KCA Deputy Chief Executive (Domestic Affairs) thanked ACC for choosing Kuwait to hold this prestigious event. He also said indeed it indicates ACC growing confidence in KCA to hold event of such magnitude. Asad Baig, KCA Deputy Chief Executive (International Affairs) thanked ACC, all the participating countries and New Zealand Sports Turf Institute , Kuwait Entertainment City Management especially Peter Joseph, KOC management , Gulf Consult and local media for their co-operation to make this event a success.