The Malaysian Cricket Association confirmed on Thursday that they received a court order to vacate the Kinrara Oval due to outstanding arrears.

According to news reports, the national body had been ordered to vacate the 4000-capacity cricket ground in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, after failing to settle the amount of more than RM1.8 million owing to the land's owner, Perumahan Kinrara Berhad (PKB).

"Today is a sad day for cricket in Malaysia. This is indeed an unprecedented event in the history of sporting associations in Malaysia.

"At the moment, our concerns turn to the national players who will now need to be housed elsewhere and the 42 full-time staff who are understandably concerned.

"With regards to the recent judgement, we respect the rule of law and will endeavour to settle the outstanding amount as ruled by the court," read an official statement from MCA president Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali.

It was the second time the Oval faced the predicament, with the first time happening in 2018 when the land owner repossessed the ground for redevelopment following the expiry of their 15-year lease agreement.

However, the Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry successfully intervened to save it from closure back then.

Widely recognised as a world-class cricket facility, the Oval had been the home of Malaysian cricket since 2003.

It hosted several international matches over the years such as the 2006/07 DLF Cup, the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup and the 2017 SEA Games.

President’s Statement,
Kinrara Oval pic.twitter.com/VUADqxRW8r

— Malaysia Cricket (@MalaysiaCricket) March 31, 2022