The Asia Cricket Council participation figures for 2008 reveal a mixed bag of results.

Disappointingly, Afghanistan appear to have not released proper figures (again!). For the third year running they claim to have 495 players in all categories. Unofficial sources have estimated the actual number to be around the 10,000-12,000 mark.

On a brighter note, Saudi Arabia (4,814), Nepal (3,572) and China (1,315) recorded outstanding increases. Qatar, Bhutan, Bahrain, Thailand and Kuwait are also on the up.

Iran looks to have a good future showing a rise of 219%.

Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, Myanmar and Maldives had drops of wildly varying degrees.

Total playing numbers (All categories)

1. Nepal 15,516
2. Malaysia 10,400
3. Saudi Arabia 9,029
4. UAE 7,875
5. Thailand 4,489
6. Hong Kong 4,130
7. Kuwait 4,051
8. China 3,580
9. Singapore 2,888
10. Bhutan 1,967
11. Maldives 1,820
12. Bahrain 1,624
13. Qatar 1,485
14. Myanmar 1,356
15. Oman 1,149
16. Iran 670
17. Afghanistan 495
18. Brunei 444

Top 10 Increases by percentage

1. Iran 219%
2. Qatar 145%
3. Saudi Arabia 114%
4. China 58%
5. Bahrain 32%
6. = Kuwait 30%
6. = Nepal 30%
8. = Bhutan 16%
8. = Thailand 16%
10. Brunei 14%