DUBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has established a series of initiatives to develop Women’s cricket in Islamic countries in Asia, in light of an increase in popularity of the sport with women in the region, Gulfnews reports

‘There was school of thought that believed women from Islamic countries may not play this game. Countries like Iran have proved them wrong. Cricket dress suits their religious dress code. They can play wearing full-length trousers and full-sleeve shirts, which wouldn’t be possible in many other sports,’ says Ashraful Haq, ACC chief executive.

‘Probably another reason which attracted women to try out the game is because they can play wearing the hijab,’ he added.

ACC is active in almost all Islamic countries in Asia, organising umpiring and coaching programmes. A programme to develop women’s game is underway in Qatar.

In Iran, women attended umpiring courses conducted by umpire Mahboob Shah.

‘Women are also playing the game in Saudi Arabia. It is so encouraging to see women’s team from these countries play with lot of enthusiasm. We are so impressed with the increasing popularity among women in the region that we have decided to host women’s cricket tournament along with men’s tournament during 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.’

Haq highly impressed with China’s enthusiasm for hosting cricket said: ‘The world will be surprised at the cricket facilities that China is building for the Asian Games. It is a state-of-art stadium and it will put lot of international stadiums around the world to shame.’