(CricketEurope) Can I start by asking how many people are playing the game on the Cook Islands?

(Alister Stevic) The Islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki have had a strong history of cricket over the past 50 years. Despite a decline in participation numbers over the past decade numbers are still reasonable given the population; 300 men, 1300 children and 180 women. Participation numbers are set to increase within the next three months as junior, senior men and women initiatives are rolled out across six additional islands.

(CricketEurope) And how many islands are there in the Cook group?

(Alister Stevic) The Cook Islands comprise 15 islands, each as beautiful as the other and home to the friendliest people in the world.

(CricketEurope) I noticed on Google Earth that on one island in particular, there seems to be a lot of cricket grounds. Cricket must be extremely popular taking into account the size and population of the country?

(Alister Stevic) Rarotonga and Aitutaki both boast 7 cricket grounds. Given the population, 10,000 and 2,500 respectively, it proves just how popular it is. With three new synthetic wickets and seven practice nets under construction our facilities are continually improving.

(CricketEurope) I imagine also that there are a large population of Cook Islanders who live abroad and are potentially eligible for national selection?

(Alister Stevic) Very true, and as significant numbers of young people continue to migrate to Australia and New Zealand, the need to utilize internationally based players becomes more crucial in realizing our vision to become the number one non test playing nation in East Asia Pacific. In saying that, for cricket to thrive in the Cook Islands there needs to be a balance between the selections of local and international based players. The focus of course is to win matches, so it is important we are providing high quality development opportunities for local players to compete with say New Zealand and Australian based players, which is positive as it drives competitiveness for positions.

(CricketEurope) And how is the domestic competition structured?

(Alister Stevic) Each island runs its own club competition; in Rarotonga for example clubs play in two thirty five over competitions. For the 09/10 season Cook Islands Cricket has established a domestic league which comprises the top echelon of players playing regular high standard cricket under ICC EAP and World League playing conditions. The Domestic League is a significant step up from club cricket and we expect the flow on effect to be a substantial increase in technical ability and game understanding.

(CricketEurope) And what is the state of junior cricket on the islands at the moment?

(Alister Stevic) Prior to this season junior cricket was relatively inactive. Currently we have our ANZ Bank ‘In Schools Programme’ underway in Rarotonga. The programme comprises coaches entering schools and delivering coaching sessions that grow enthusiasm for the game amongst students and teachers alike. The programme culminates in interschool competitions with exit strategies into tiered junior club competitions. The programme will be rolled out to an additional six islands early next year and the current level of enthusiasm and participation indicates it will be a very successful and lucrative programme, which of course bodes well for the future success of Cook Islands Cricket.

(CricketEurope) Are you confident you have the young players coming through that can make an impact at international level?

(Alister Stevic) Definitely, considering we have a relatively young high performance squad, a good number of talented youth players playing in adult competitions, the success of the ANZ Bank In Schools Programme and with the talent unearthed from the recent high school competition all indicate that Cook Islands Cricket will continue to be competitive.

(CricketEurope) What are some of the initiatives you have in place to get more people playing the game in your country?

(Alister Stevic) Our philosophy is to maximize cricket interest and participation by making available to each Cook Islander a cricket product that they can enjoy. Our junior programme is underway and set to roll out across six other islands in February, the domestic league, women’s league and business house cricket begin this January. Golden Oldies is to be re-established mid year and we have our Community Out Reach Programme which involves coaches going into disability community groups across Rarotonga. In addition to on field activities we have held umpires, scorers and coaching courses this season.

(CricketEurope) The cricket radio program sounds like a great idea?

(Alister Stevic) The Summerfield Systems 88FM Cricket Show is a great vehicle for us to position ourselves in people’s homes, cars and businesses. The light hearted, interactive nature of the show draws people to cricket and has significantly raised our profile.

(CricketEurope) Do you receive any live cricket on television?

(Alister Stevic) Live cricket is available on Sky Television however affordability is an issue for many. Over the past two months we have aired match highlights on national television.

(CricketEurope) What do you say to the critics, like Jack Clarke, who don't see the point in smaller nations receiving ICC support and funding?

(Alister Stevic) I am not familiar with Jack Clarke’s comments and I would be reluctant to make comment without hearing them for myself. What I will say however is the effect of ICC funding and the support we have received from Northern Districts Cricket has significantly assisted Cook Islands Cricket in raising our profile, popularity and playing standard. Sure it would be a challenge for the Cook Islands to one day compete against a full member nation however it isn’t inconceivable to one day expect to see a Cook Islander playing in say the IPL or other forms of high standard Twenty20 cricket. Furthermore the impact of ICC funding is far reaching and has a significant impact on the nations and communities in which they invest. Cricket administrators across the world I’m sure will agree that cricket is a game that promotes virtues such as honesty, integrity and team work - all valued qualities of a productive contributing member of society.

(CricketEurope) It's one of the wonderful things in cricket in my opinion when a smaller nation takes on a favourite and causes an upset! It must be the hope of every Cook Islands player and administrator to take on a highly ranked associate and win?

(Alister Stevic) Absolutely, I look forward to it.

(CricketEurope) So what are your immediate aims for Cook Islands cricket?

(Alister Stevic) Ultimately to establish effective and sustainable administrative structures throughout all our island associations and member clubs. Continually raising the profile of and participation in cricket with quality competitions and coaching will be essential in producing players that can excel in the world cricket league.

(CricketEurope) And in the long term?

(Alister Stevic) As stated earlier our vision is to become the number one non test playing nation in East-Asia Pacific, to achieve that we need to be taking full advantage of support and resources available to us so attaining associate status in the medium term is certainly an objective in addition to becoming embedded and succeeding in the World Cricket League.