Hiral Patel and Rizwan Cheema have inked new deals with Cricket Canada. Two of the biggest hitters in Canada’s batting line-up Cheema and Patel are the first two players to sign central contracts for the 2011 season.
 
Long known as one of Canada’s big bats, Cheema has also solidified himself, as an all-rounder picking up 25 wickets in 27 ODI’s to go with 599 ODI runs at a healthy strike rate of 117.25. A solid striker of the ball, Cheema is a big threat anywhere in the order and scored a swashbuckling 93 against England in a World Cup warm-up match.
 
Patel, one of Canada’s dazzling young stars, rose to world wide fame when he pelted Australia for a stunning half century at the 2011 Cricket World Cup. This included the shot of the tournament of Australia’s Brett Lee as he lit up Bangalore with an exiting display of bravado, taking the fight to some of the games fastest bowlers.

Cricket Canada also confirmed that discussions are going on with other players and announcements will be made shortly on the balance of the contracts.