I have read with amusement the recent threat of punishment to players by certain organizations claiming to be the only representative of Cricket in Ontario and have decided to clear the air so to speak. I have tried my best to stay away from responding to rumours, innuendos and frivolous statements where the words ‘legal and illegal’ are used so loosely and let OCA’s actions speak for themselves. However when players are threatened with un-warranted sanctions that is bound to hurt Cricket in this province, I could not look the other way.,
It is sad to see people resort to the tactics of threats and intimidation to hide their incompetence and lack of direction. ,
Let me state categorically that OCA has absolutely no problem with players who wish to play elsewhere as well. OCA is providing a league structure as well as overall province wide (and not just GTA) playing structure for its member players. However if they have the capacity to play more and if it can help improve their play, OCA will not stand in their way with ridiculous restrictions.

Nobody owns the players. They are all tax paying members of this society with full freedom guaranteed under charter of rights. Again people should be careful with the use of words ‘legal, illegal’.

Currently, OCA the largest and the oldest cricketing body in the Associate Cricket world and its programs, are the envy of everyone.

We were the first to conduct a week long training camp with two of cricket’s best coaches Rod Marsh and Mudassar Nazar. Players that took part in the camp have reported more than 100 % improvement in their game. Every participant unanimously asked for such camps at least once a year if not more.

That is planning and improvement of cricket.

We went out and secured sponsorship for OCA’s Elite and Junior programs from the largest bank in the country RBC, This I hope, has opened doors of Corporate Canada for everyone to walk in and work hard like us to get sponsorships.

That is planning and improvement of Cricket.

OCA facilitated with the visit of two of the brightest stars of the Cricket World, Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and India’s Sunil Joshi for the opening of the RBC/OCA Elite Championship and more. Hundreds lined up for Autographs and this inspiration and experience they will never forget for the rest of their lives.

That is planning and improvement of Cricket.

Just this week, a team of veteran players from Hydrabad India, visited Ontario and played three matches against an OCA team. The Hydrabad team had many former Ranji Trophy players, with their manager being Mr. P.R. Man Singh, who also was the manager of the 1983 Indian team under Kapil Dev that won the World Cup. They offered their help, services and experience to OCA and its members and have asked us to send a team to Hydrabad. Great possibilities? yes.

That is planning and improvement of Cricket.

I can go on but that will be at the expense of being boastful.

I think everyone knows clearly now as to who is working for Cricket and who is making hollow statements to misguide people for political purposes.

Players are not afraid of the threat ‘you will not be allowed to play for Canada’ anymore. They just want to play, anywhere where there is good competition.

Why even try to stop them? What are they afraid off?

Sincerely,

Mohan (Mike) Kendall
President, OCA.