A CBC report by Dan McGarvey
“Cricket players in northeast Calgary could soon have their first batting nets in that part of the city. Right now players have to travel to Riley Park or Inland Athletic Park, both in northwest Calgary, to play and practice. Batting nets allow bowlers and batsmen to practise within the confines of a narrow, netted lane without having to chase cricket balls around a pitch. They’re a vital part of practice and warming up properly before matches. The single batting net at Riley Park is several decades old. There are two other nets at Inland Athletic Park, and only five or six places to play cricket across the entire city.
The sport is especially popular in Calgary’s South Asian community.
It would also benefit young players and kids in northeast communities who can’t travel far but want to try the sport.
“This is going to be the first of its kind in the northeast area, which would be accessible to any Calgarian,” said Sabeel Khan, president of the Calgary and District Cricket League.
The league has been active in Calgary for more than 100 years and currently has more than 1,000 players.