Ontario cricket has experienced a serious divide over the last few years, with two competing bodies claiming to represent the province- the Cricket Council of Ontario, and the Ontario Cricket Association. The two bodies recently met and issued the following joint statement:-

In what can be considered a historic moment in Ontario’s Cricket history the representatives of the Provincial Cricket Organization (CCO) and the Ontario Cricket Organization (OCA) have agreed to the principles of a partnership that lends itself to a unified and stronger presence and representation of Ontario’s future growth and developments plans.

The two organizations have reached an agreement of co-existence with full partnership in all ‘joint’ efforts in the best interest of Ontario and their respective member leagues and players. In an open, frank, honest and sincere discussions session – they have agreed that it is in the best interest of both parties that Ontario stands firmly united and not vulnerable to intrusions and manipulations as experienced in the past.

As expressed by all in attendance – we need to pledge a unified commitment to establish a working relationship that is based on honesty, integrity, accountability and transparency in all that we undertake in the interest of Ontario Cricket.

As commented by the CCO President Praim Persaud…” it has been one of my main strategic objectives to have an open and honest UNITE ONTARIO Meeting that will bring together every one of differing opinions and objectives – to finally express their views/opinions and discontents in an open healthy no-bars discussion that can bring closure and enable everyone to see things from the perspective of ‘ONTARIO’ and not oneself. It is important to Ontario’s future to be united under one set of objectives that we can all agree on and work together to achieve”.

In emphasizing this theme of unity the OCA President Mr. Gulwant Bajwa commented… “We are very serious and committed to working together for the development of cricket at the grass roots level. Considering Ontario is the hub of cricket in Canada, CCO and OCA will work together to bring much needed infrastructure development and reengineer of the game in Ontario to bring back the glory to not only Ontario cricket but also at the national level”.

In expressing his sentiments and support for this partnership the OCA Vice-President Melvin John stated … “My views are very simple and also an old saying, united we stand and divided we fall. I strongly believe in Community Togetherness through Sports and Recreation. As I have always supported unity, again I will pledge my full support to the CCO and OCA Partnership and have full confidence that together not only will we make Ontario better but will also steer Canadian cricket back to its rightful place in the international arena.”

In affirming his support for this initiative the CCO Cricket Canada delegate Mohammed Shaikh expressed the following …”I stand firmly behind this initiative and agrees with the sentiment of a United Ontario in the best interest of all parties concerned – together we can accomplish what is required to effect positive change in Ontario’s Cricketing landscape”. ‘

In expressing his support for this working relationship the CCO Vice-President Mr. Shah Zafar expressed commitment by stating… “I am very pleased to see that OCA has joined hands to support the call for One Ontario initiative for the betterment of the Cricket in the province, if all of us work together as a team, Cricket in Ontario can grow rapidly with “new vision” in mind and that includes improving cricket infrastructure and bring back the glory days of cricket in Ontario”.
In making this pledge to work together for a better Cricketing future in Ontario, the CCO & CCO OCA organizations are committed to standing together in all areas of development, growth and representation of the sport of Cricket – both in Ontario and Canada. We hope that this President partnership will sever the interests of Ontario cricket in dealing with both the provincial and Praim Persaud national interest as we seek to improve its image, reputation and strengths at both level.