International Cricket Council awards CIMA Canada -- Posted Monday, April 30 2007
The CIMA Canada Mayor’s trophy 2006 received the International Cricket Council's award for the best cricket promotional and marketing event in the Americas. This is the second consecutive year in which CIMA Canada has received this award.
The Toronto Mayor's trophy is the main promotional event for CIMA Canada and has attracted a crowd in excess of 500 people. In 2006, the event (and CIMA) was promoted at some of the busiest subway stations in Toronto for six weeks and information was sent directly to senior corporate executives. Interviews with CIMA spokespeople were broadcast on three popular TV stations and CIMA received coverage in a number of national newspapers in Canada.
CIMA Canada and cricket
CIMA is a UK-based leading membership body that offers an internationally recognised professional qualification in management accountancy, focusing on accounting for business. CIMA has 155,000 members and students in 158 countries. There are approximately 1,000 CIMA members – professionally-qualified management accountants - in the GTA. CIMA members in Canada have roots in cricket-playing nations, a sport that is loved by many Toronto communities - yet have very limited opportunities in which to enjoy this sport. Recognising this need, CIMA Canada has organised an annual cricket event for CIMA members and their families since 2000. The event has grown in popularity and profile since its inception.
In July 2005 CIMA formed a partnership with Bell Canada to expand this event to cricket-loving Torontonians and invited Toronto Mayor David Miller and Police Chief Bill Blair to play cricket at the event. CIMA in partnership with Bell Canada sponsored the entire event with free BBQ lunch, tea and children’s play area.
Special invitations
Mayor David Miller,
Police Chief Bill Blair,
Toronto Transit Commission GM Rick Ducharme,
Consular representatives in Toronto,
City of Toronto councillors,
Ontario Transport Minister Harinder Takhar,
Immigration Minister Mike Colle,
MPPs and corporate executives.
CIMA Canada has received tremendous support from all three major newspapers in Toronto. Phillip Crawley - Publisher & CEO of the Globe and Mail, Steve McAllister, sports editor of the Globe and Mail, Graham Parley, sports editor of the Toronto Star, David Walmsley, foreign-national editor for the Toronto Star, Jim Jennings, editor-in-chief of the Toronto Sun and Pat Grier, the sports editor Toronto Sun, have all joined their respective cricket teams to celebrate cricket with CIMA Canada.
ICC Best Cricket Promotional and Marketing Award Celebration of Cricket – CIMA (Canada)is noted at:-
Information about the awards on the ICC website,
ICC Best Cricket Promotional and Marketing Award Celebration of Cricket – CIMA (Canada) is noted at:-
http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/development/annual_awards/2006/2006_winners.html
Some of Canada's fixtures for 2007 -- Posted Monday, April 30 2007
ICC Intercontinental Cup, 2007
Thursday June 28 - Sunday July 1 2007
Canada v Netherlands
Venue to be confirmed in Toronto
Saturday 7 - Tuesday 10 July 2007
Canada v United Arab Emirates
Venue to be confirmed in Canada
Friday 12 - Monday 15 October 2007
Kenya v Canada
Venue to be confirmed in Kenya
Thursday 25 - Sunday 28 October 2007
Namibia v Canada
Venue to be confirmed in Namibia
A Canadian umpire reports on the WC2007 final -- Posted Sunday, April 29 2007
After all the criticisms leveled at the I.C.C. over the way the 2007 Cricket World Cup was so badly mismanaged, it was important that the Final at Kensington Oval should be a success. Sad to say, the game descended into farce instead, and only the Australian fans went home happy.
Not all the problems were man-made, it is true: the tropical downpours that forced a delay of two hours and three-quarters were beyond the control of the I. C. C. As a result, the I. C. C. powers that be were then forced to
make a difficult decision: either play the game on the Saturday, with the number of overs per side reduced, or elect to have the full game played on the rain day, Sunday.
No doubt the knowledge that too many bigwigs, as well as ticketholders, had been so overconfident that the game would take place on the scheduled date, and had booked their departure from Barbados on the Sunday, plus the
undoubted pressure from the TV authorities that the game take place, to avoid conflicts with their other programming, led the I. C. C. to decide to play a reduced-overs game.
Was the decision to play 38 overs a side correct? It has been some time since I have had to calculate the loss of overs per side caused by a delay to the start to a match. If the calculations are still based on one over
lost per four minutes the game is delayed, then, even with the reduction of the interval to ten minutes from forty (which was done), you have to factor in a loss of 34 overs in total, or 17 per side (based on a total delay of
135 minutes). In other words, should it have been 33 overs per side, not 38?
It might be that there was something else that was overlooked as well.
Barbados is the closest island in the Caribbean to the Equator, where darkness descends much more rapidly than it does in more temperate zones.
Once the game began, it looked as though things would work out. We had great (albeit hot and humid) weather, and were treated to a sparkling display of power hitting by Adam Gilchrist. Sri Lanka were relying on Vaas, Malinga and Murali to contain the Australian batsmen, but Gilchrist soon took Vaas out of equation by hitting him for six and four off of consecutive balls in the bowlers second over. Malinga bowled well, but was inexplicably
taken off after he had completed just four of his eight overs, and Murali contained the Australians, at least at the start of his spell. Australia, however, piled on 281 runs in their innings, a truly awesome performance.
With so many sixes and fours being struck, more time was used up retrieving the ball and getting it back to the bowler. Not surprisingly, it also had to be replaced (and probably is now in a cricket ball hospital under intensive
case!).
The second innings also began well, but then the clouds began to gather again, and the light began to fade quite noticeably. Sri Lanka fought back, and, for a while, was on a par with the Australian score at the same time in
the innings: there was the potential for a sparkling finish. Unfortunately, the rains came, and we were treated to a spectacle of star international cricketers being called upon to play in unacceptable conditions. It began to rain, the light deteriorated, and the umpires eventually took the players off the field. Six minutes later, they were back, and two overs had been lost, so the target score was reduced to 269. Then it rained, the light
worsened, and the umpires took the players off the field for a second and (so we thought) final time.
The Australian players and fans began to celebrate, the covers came out, and the 30-yard discs were removed.
We thought the game was over. But no!! A few minutes later, a member of the ground staff appeared, and put the 30-yard discs back, off came the covers, and the stumps were replaced. Half of the (totally inadequate) floodlights were switched on and then switched off again!
In light conditions bordering on ridiculous, the remaining three overs were completed. Could the public see anything? I doubt it. Certainly from my seat, way up in the North Stand, I saw virtually nothing.
Throughout the game, the Public Address system had made totally incomprehensible announcements, so when it came to the Awards Ceremony, not much could be expected. In fact, we got nothing at all! If the North Stand had been supplied with loudspeakers (I did not see any), they were not working. Despite chants of “Turn up the volume!” nothing was ever audible.
All in all, this was a sad end to the game, which had started with such sparkle.
In my previous column, I complimented the CWC volunteers in Barbados for their friendliness and helpfulness. The entire complement of volunteers ran a lap of honour around the ground during the interval. It was fully deserved.
N.B:- Since preparing this article, I have read that the Match Referee, Geoff Crowe, has admitted that he made an error, in that he insisted that the final three overs would have had to be bowled the
following day to conclude the match. Had that happened, I am sure that there would have been riot if that had happened! The captains decided to bowl out the last three overs to get the game over.
Article submitted by Colin Hoare.
Legends at Skydome revisited -- Posted Sunday, April 29 2007
To say that I was disappointed by how things turned out at the so-called Legends of Cricket match in Toronto on March 3 would be an understatement. The ineptness of the organizers meant that a match that had the potential to be a roaring success in front of a crowd of 40,000 or more, turned out to be a damp squib played out in front of paltry numbers that even the most generous estimate would put at no more than 10,000. It was depressing to see so many empty stands knowing that there were legions of cricket fans in the city and indeed the country, that didn’t turn up. Having said that, they didn’t miss much. The game was a dud - done and dusted in no time, with only two actual legends on hand, in the shape of Wasim Akram and Abdul Qadir. Under the circumstances we should be thankful that they were even there, though bizarrely Qadir bowled less than one over and was Pakistan’s captain for the match when Akram had been advertised as captain from the very beginning. But that is a minor gripe. The bigger issue is that the roster kept changing from the time the match was first announced. The website’s front page by the way, never listed the players who were scheduled to appear, with the information buried in the site. It is elementary that the first thing a fan looking to buy tickets would want to know is who’s playing.
Players like Mohammad Azharuddin, Rameez Raja and Moin Khan were at one time or another advertised on the roster and were then taken off without explanation. More unforgivable is that even today, with the match now confined to the trashcan of Canadian cricket history, the website still lists Aamer Sohail and Rashid Latif as a part of the Pakistani team. The organizers did not even have the basic sense to have a disclaimer on their website that the roster was subject to change. That could have perhaps diminished the disappointment of the group of young cricket fans who stopped me after the game to ask if I knew why Sohail didn’t play. They had bought tickets specifically to see him.
I am compelled to mention the utterly ridiculous television ad that also greeted people anytime they went on the event’s official website. The script was as follows: “In 1991 they came to fight for the victory (sic) now they are back to finish… the Game!” What on earth does that even mean? How does that sell tickets or generate interest in the match? And then there was the event logo, which I assume is a giant cricket ball being hit out of the Rogers Centre, but looks more like deadly radiation from the Red Sun of Krypton assaulting the building. Not even Superman could salvage this disaster.
With virtually no advertising in mainstream media, it seems the idea was that word of mouth would be enough to get fans to the stadium. The amateur nature of the promotional effort is all the more infuriating when hardly any information made its way to legitimate cricket journalists and yet the organizers anticipated that foreign media would cover the event. The press box was ill-equipped (no Internet connection, for crying out loud!) and for some reason had more hangers-on than journalists.
The organizers may not have paid any attention to the media, but in sycophantic fashion, efforts were not spared in trying to secure A-List dignitaries. While it was pleasing to see the likes of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle lending their support to an event that meant something to Ontario’s South Asian community, I was also simultaneously distressed at what opinions they might be forming about the province’s cricket community.
I had a pleasant chat with Minister Colle and discovered that he had a good understanding of what cricket means to a sizeable section of Ontario’s population. Recognizing this, the Ontario government has recently given one million dollars to the Ontario Cricket Association and one can only hope that there will be tangible results for cricket in the province.
But the continued support of the government and for that matter, corporate Canada should not be taken for granted. At the gala dinner, government ministers and the major corporate sponsors of the match were generous in their praise for this lacklustre, poorly attended and ineptly organized event. They will however have every right to be sceptical the next time someone comes knocking at their door looking for support for cricket. The Canadian Cricket Association must also be more selective and cautious before throwing its weight behind cricket related events. The sport is still not on a solid enough footing to afford alienating those who could be its benefactors. (Faraz Sarwat)
Faraz Sarwat’s book, “The Cricket World Cup: History, Highlights, Facts and Figures” is available at www.thescore.ca/cricket
Article sourced from:-http://www.thescore.ca/blogs/index.asp?name=sportsworld/2007/03/legends_of_cric.html
It's not ju$t cricket -- Posted Saturday, April 28 2007
The largest sporting event in West Indies history, the Cricket World Cup will put the nine host countries on the global map.
Barry Critchley, Financial Post
Published: Saturday, April 28, 2007
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados
Financial Post readers know Barry Critchley is passionate about the financial world. But some readers may not know he is also passionate about cricket. A former university player in his native Australia, Mr. Critchley talks about cricket with the same enthusiasm that many Canadians bring to talk about hockey. Today, Mr. Critchley is in his element -- his team, Australia, is in the Cricket World Cup final against rival Sri Lanka in Barbados, and he is there. In a special report, Mr. Critchley looks at the economic impact the tournament has had on the nine host countries, the diplomatic rivalry between China and Taiwan over maintaining relations with the cricket-mad Caribbean and the massive job involved in organizing the games.
Pankaj Paghak, a British lawyer and one of thousands of cricket fans who have flooded to this Caribbean country for the Cricket World Cup 2007, is over his initial disappointment. His team, India, didn't make it out of the first round of the Cup. But he is here, the site of today's CWC final, and making the best of it.
"Thankfully, cricket took second place and my family and I were able to enjoy a wonderful holiday and experience a destination that otherwise we wouldn't have seen," Mr. Paghak said as he and two British colleagues strolled along Rockley Beach, one of the popular stretches of sand just outside Bridgetown.
Like Mr. Paghak, most of the fans who have come to the Caribbean will be going home happy, even if their team didn't win. In the process, they will have pumped millions of dollars into the region's economy.
But the largest sporting event in West Indies history, set to wrap up today when the final takes place between Australia and Sri Lanka, has not been without hurdles that had to be overcome.
For the West Indies, a former powerhouse in the world of cricket, there were two main problems that had to be faced.
Never before had nine separate countries won the right to stage the World Cup -- three (India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), worked together to host the 1996 World Cup. Kenneth Gordon, chairman of organizing committee of the World Cup, said the organizers were faced with "one of the most difficult assignments in the tournament's [32-year] history, to stage the biggest ICC Cricket World Cup to date across nine individual countries."
In addition, never before did a host have to upgrade its facilities to such an extent to meet the standards laid down by the International Cricket Council, the world's governing body. The result has been a spending spree of more than US$200-million to build new stadiums or renovate existing facilities, including a completely revamped Kensington Oval, where today's final will be played.
Organizing the event has also been a mammoth task. Like the International Olympic Committee, the ICC is a giant bureaucracy. The Dubai-based organization, which oversees the development of world cricket, is made up of 98 membercountries. Like the IOC, it collects huge television revenue: in 2003 it signed a US$500-million deal with Global Cricket Corp. for the rights to the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. The ICC also signed up the four official World Cup partners: LG Electronics, Pepsi, Hutchison Essar and Hero Honda Motors. Bank of Nova Scotia is an official sponsor, a status it shares with five other companies.
Like Mr. Paghak, most of the fans who have come to the Caribbean will be going home happy, even if their team didn't win. In the process, they will have pumped millions of dollars into the region's economy.
But the largest sporting event in West Indies history, set to wrap up today when the final takes place between Australia and Sri Lanka, has not been without hurdles that had to be overcome.
For the West Indies, a former powerhouse in the world of cricket, there were two main problems that had to be faced.
Never before had nine separate countries won the right to stage the World Cup -- three (India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), worked together to host the 1996 World Cup.
Kenneth Gordon, chairman of organizing committee of the World Cup, said the organizers were faced with "one of the most difficult assignments in the tournament's [32-year] history, to stage the biggest ICC Cricket World Cup to date across nine individual countries."
In addition, never before did a host have to upgrade its facilities to such an extent to meet the standards laid down by the International Cricket Council, the world's governing body. The result has been a spending spree of more than US$200-million to build new stadiums or renovate existing facilities, including a completely revamped Kensington Oval, where today's final will be played.
Organizing the event has also been a mammoth task. Like the International Olympic Committee, the ICC is a giant bureaucracy. The Dubai-based organization, which oversees the development of world cricket, is made up of 98 membercountries. Like the IOC, it collects huge television revenue: in 2003 it signed a US$500-million deal with Global Cricket Corp. for the rights to the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. The ICC also signed up the four official World Cup partners: LG Electronics, Pepsi, Hutchison Essar and Hero Honda Motors. Bank of Nova Scotia is an official sponsor, a status it shares with five other companies.
Full article can be located at:-
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=a12ff5a4-ed55-4b5d-8b77-557ba1658522&p=2
Ireland's unforeseen heights in WC2007 -- Posted Friday, April 27 2007
Ireland's heavy loss to Sri Lanka in its last World Cup game could not obscure the fact that its debut at the tournament has been a massive success.
The team finally exited with Wednesday's eight-wicket defeat and the lowest score - 77 - so far in the championship. But it will fly out from the Caribbean four weeks after they had been expected to do so and with a new prestigious status.
That several of the squad had to call home to request extra time off from their full-time jobs when they qualified for the second round showed how surprising their success has been.
A thrilling tie with Zimbabwe and victory over Pakistan, arguably the biggest shock in the tournament's 32-year history, propelled Ireland into the Super 8s stage of one-day cricket's top competition.
Once there, Ireland kept surprising other teams to earn the greatest honour in the country's cricket history.
It beat another test nation, Bangladesh, by 74 runs last week to ensure its formal status will change from a temporary one-day international nation to permanent.
"It's phenomenal and a hell of an achievement for these 15 guys, our coaching staff and Irish cricket," captain Trent Johnston said. "It's going to be massive for Irish cricket to keep this momentum going."
The change puts Ireland in the ICC's one-day rankings and means that top nations may start planning visits to the country for a full scale one-day series before or after major tours to England.
Ireland could also be invited to take part in tri-nations series with powerhouse teams.
With more competition, Irish cricket administrators hope, will come higher standards at the 2011 World Cup in south Asia.
Whatever comes next, Ireland's players will be remembered for taking their team to heights no one expected.
Victory over Sri Lanka at Grenada National Stadium was never likely, but that didn't dampen spirits.
"There have been a lot of high points - the way we fought back against Zimbabwe to get us going, and then obviously Pakistan was huge on St. Patrick's Day," Johnston said. "We've been away from home since Jan. 7. A few of the guys are looking forward to getting home to a bit of reality."
Fitness instructor, postman and electrician are among the occupations of the squad, but many may now follow Boyd Rankin, Eoin Morgan and Andrew White into English county cricket.
The Irish Cricket Union is trying to bring in sponsorship to help their players fulfill the obligations of a strange mixture of international matches and fixtures in an English county cricket one-day tournament.
South African-born coach Adrian Birrell said the foundations for Ireland's success came with a lengthy training session in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, this year.
"This four-month trip was a massive undertaking for the Irish Cricket Union, and it is all about us giving something back to them because they've done so much for us," Johnston said. "I hope they're going to get their rewards for that in the coming months and years."
Like other non-test countries at the tournament, Ireland drew on players born elsewhere for its 15-man squad, although nine are from the Republic and two from Northern Ireland.
Johnston, David Langford-Smith and opener Jeremy Bray - the scorer of 115 not out against Zimbabwe - are from New South Wales state in Australia. Allrounder Andre Botha was born in South Africa.
However, Birrell, who stepped down after Wednesday's game, thinks Ireland's future success is safe with homegrown players.
Ireland, after all, is European Champion at under-13, under-15, under-17, under-19, under-23 and senior level.
"That's one hell of an achievement and it suggests that there is talent in our youth system," Birrell said. "We do have young players in the wings awaiting their chances, and certainly on the spinning front, batting front and fielding front we've got all those bases covered with young players."
Birrell said the only area of concern was Ireland was struggling to produce fast bowlers. However, he was sure the possible exit of older players, who include the 33-year-old Bray, can be covered.
The 46-year-old coach had decided before the tournament to step down after four years in charge to spend more time with his family in South Africa.
"It's mainly a sense of great pride that I've achieved what I've achieved," Birrell said. "Many times in my career that I've felt I've underachieved as a player and a coach and never really got the just rewards.
"But I think now cricket has paid me my dues."
Detractors maintained the success of Ireland and Bangladesh hit the tournament by denying powerhouses Pakistan and India a place in the Super 8s.
While that undoubtedly hit attendances and led to many from the Asian subcontinent cancelling plans to fly out, Ireland's presence provided a welcome change at a tournament that has often been disappointingly predictable in its domination by two-time defending champion Australia.
With West Indies sliding from championship reckoning early in the Super 8s stage, many local fans started supporting Ireland.
About 6,000 Guyanese cheered Ireland to victory over Bangladesh, along with the few hundred fans who made the long journey to the Caribbean after seeing their team advance.
The team's success has reportedly prompted a fivefold increase in interest in the sport in Ireland, a country more passionate about Gaelic football, rugby union and soccer.
"One thing we wanted to do here was put Irish cricket on the map - not just in the world but in Ireland itself," Johnston said. "I think we've done that, and the public response back home has been fantastic."
Article sourced from:-
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/cricket/story.html?id=a7d00b44-6c18-445a-87f8-7a7fc7314f7c&k=11639&p=2
Editors note:
Ireland has a population approximately one tenth of Canada. Should we anticipate that the CCA will take note of the obvious disparity? (JH).
Final of ICC Intercontinental Cup set for Grace Road 22-25 May (ICC) -- Posted Thursday, April 26 2007
The final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup between Canada and Ireland will take place at Grace Road, the home of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, from Tuesday 22 May until Friday 25 May. Following its high-profile successes in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup in the West Indies, defending champions Ireland will go into the final as favorites to retain the title it won in Namibia at the end of 2005. But the Canadian outfit has shown good form in this tournament and will not be short on confidence either.
Chief Executive of Leicestershire CCC Paul Maylard-Mason said the club was delighted to host such a prestigious event and was looking forward to welcoming the teams and their supporters.
"We are thrilled to be asked to host the final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup at Grace Road," said Mr Maylard-Mason. "We are no strangers to international cricket here, having hosted matches during the Cricket World Cup in 1999, and I think it's going to be a great setting for this event as well.
"I think this is an excellent tournament and Leicestershire is proud to be a part of it. Like the rest of the world we have been watching the great strides made by the top Associate teams lately, especially at the recent World Cup, and so I am sure this is going to be a hard-fought cup final of a high cricketing standard."
The new format in the ICC Intercontinental Cup means sides play a minimum of three four-day matches in this tournament. This increases to seven four-day matches in 2007 and 2008 when it is hoped the event will be a full round-robin format.
That compares to a minimum of just two three-day matches per year under the previous structure which, until the semi-finals, was regionally-based rather than global.
The ICC Intercontinental Cup began in 2004 to give the leading players from Associate sides the chance to improve by exposing them to a longer form of the game.
In the 2006 event Canada finished on top of Group B having got off to a flying start. Outright victories over Kenya and Bermuda at the Maple Leaf ground near Toronto in late July and early August was enough to ensure top spot.
Centuries for Davison (165), Ian Billcliff (126) and Abdool Samad (119), all in the first innings, set up a stylish nine-wicket win over Bermuda while the Kenyans were defeated by just 25 runs thanks in no small way to an undefeated 91 by Qaiser Ali in the first innings and a classy 136 by Geoff Barnett in the second. Canada's opening bowling partnership of Umar Bhatti and Henry Osinde were also instrumental in their success.
Canada stumbled in its final game of the group stage when it lost by seven wickets to the Netherlands in a game played in Pretoria, thanks mostly to the influence of Ryan ten Doeschate who took match figures of 9-112, including 6-20 in the first innings, and also scored 259 in the first innings and 31 not out in the second.
On the other side of the draw, it always looked like it would be between 2005 winners Ireland and the 2004 champions Scotland. Their match in Aberdeen was a rain-affected draw but with Scotland taking more out of it in terms of points, it was always going to be difficult for Ireland to get ahead.
Both sides beat Namibia but then Scotland left the door open for Ireland when it was unable to overcome the United Arab Emirates at Sharjah Stadium in January. Outright victory over the UAE in Abu Dhabi the following month was enough for Trent Johnston's team to progress to the final.
In that game, Eoin Morgan became the first Ireland batsman to make a double century and Ireland's bowlers did superbly well in getting the 20 UAE wickets needed for victory.
"The ICC Intercontinental Cup is an excellent opportunity for the Associate players to improve as all-round cricketers," says ICC President Percy Sonn. "They tend to play a lot of one-day cricket so I think it is important that they be given the chance to learn the skills needed for the longer form of the game as well.
"It is encouraging for us at ICC to see the top Associates improving and this competition is another way to continue that process. Canada has some fine players, particularly its opening bowling attack, while I was very impressed with the Irish during the World Cup. It should be a very interesting final," said Mr Sonn.
Cricket World Cup delivering an 'all rounder' -- Posted Thursday, April 26 2007
Cricket World Cup delivering an 'all rounder' to West Indies economies says Scotia Economics
Beyond the field, the 2007 event is 'lofting' economic expansion and generating positive long-term benefits for the region through tourism growth, infrastructure investment and regional integration.
TORONTO, April 20 /CNW/ - As the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC 2007) heads into its final dramatic innings, Scotia Economics expects that the international event will make a positive impact on the Caribbean region. Its research indicates that, as the third largest sporting event in the world, CWC 2007 will have a significant direct and indirect effect on foreign investment, tourism and infrastructure development in the nine host countries, continuing well after the event concludes on April 29th.
"You could say the Cricket World Cup will deliver an 'all rounder' to the West Indies," says Pablo Bréard, Vice President, Scotia Economics, referring to the cricket term for a player who excels in at least two of three key game skills. "The event has triggered considerable near-term investment spending on hotels and facilities construction, boosted demand for goods and services and inspired strong foreign currency inflows."
Bréard adds that the short term benefits of the CWC 2007 will be mirrored by positive longer-term gains for the Caribbean economies as a result of exposure for the tourism sector, improved infrastructure development and regional cooperation. "In the past the West Indies economies have faced economic challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, the need to compete with other aggressive tourism destinations for traveler dollars and significant macroeconomic imbalances faced by national governments," observes Bréard. "The financial investments and political advances achieved through the CWC 2007 will help many West Indies nations tackle these challenges in the years ahead."
Expected high 'off-the-pitch' scores
Scotia Economics notes that the Caribbean region's economy is expected to grow by around 5.5 per cent in 2007, compared with more than 8 per cent growth rate in 2006, in large part due to the CWC 2007. The region's economy has been underpinned by event preparations over the last few years, including resorts and facility construction. In fact, host country governments have invested approximately US$500 million in upgrades to airports, roads, power generation and information and communications technology, around US$300 million spent on stadium development and another $40 million on temporary facilities. Overall, CWC projects have employed more than 10,000 persons.
Foreign direct investments are anticipated to generate between US$500 - 700 million. Tourism spending will be boosted by an estimated 100,000 event visitors. CWC officials add that the World Cup's estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion - including television viewers in non-traditional tourism markets such as fast-growing India - will produce a positive, long-term marketing impact.
Scotia Economics notes one less positive outcome: excess demand for goods and services may have caused upward price pressures for transportation, accommodations, food and other services. They add that Caribbean currencies should remain relatively stable over the spring in the context of strong foreign currency inflows and favourable macroeconomic conditions. The games are expected to affect the current accounts of host countries in opposite ways, with tourism receipts balancing the buoyed imports such as construction materials required by games organizers.
Bowling strong growth in Jamaica
As Jamaica is a co-host for the CWC 2007, its tourism sector will be on a positive track leading economic growth this year. Jamaica's total CWC expenditure, on facilities such as Sabina Park and Trelawny Stadium, has been approximately $8 billion Jamaican (US$100 million). Organizers expected to see approximately US$9 million in revenue from island ticket sales and an estimated 20,000 visitors who will spend an average of US$1,300, for a total of US$26 million. They project that the country will receive approximately US$400 million in foreign direct investments from the CWC 2007 between 2007 and 2012, and new non-traditional exports worth nearly US$200 million.
Overall, Scotia Economics observes that Jamaica's economic outlook is brightening with inflation trending downwards while output growth shows signs of a moderate pick-up. They predict that the Jamaican economy is poised to expand by approximately 3 per cent year over year in 2007-2008, with tourism and mining, supported by major fixed investments, serving as the main growth engines.
Bowling strong growth in Trinidad & Tobago
As a co-host for the CWC 2007, Trinidad & Tobago's tourism industry will be boosted by the event which has already played a big role in supporting the construction industry. That sector is growing by nearly 15 per cent year over year in real terms. Government and the private sector have invested considerably to polish the country's image by upgrading hotels and stadiums. In addition, the launch of Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Airlines, an official carrier for event participants, will also support national economic growth.
Overall, Scotia Economics observes that Trinidad and Tobago's resource boom will support continued economic expansion and healthy fiscal and current account surpluses. The economy will remain on a favourable expansion trajectory in 2007-2008 with real growth expected to average about 7 per cent. The oil and gas sector, fuelled by high energy prices and increased capacity, will continue to be the main driver of local economic performance.
Bowling strong growth in Barbados
As a co-host for the CWC 2007, Barbados' tourism sector - which expanded by an estimated 2.5 per cent in 2006 - is expected to perform strongly, with approximately 27,000 event visitors and close to 750 media attendees. Government spending on infrastructure projects and redevelopment projects, such as the US$40 million enlargement of Kensington Oval and upgrades to Grantley Adams International Airport, have spurred a boom in the construction sector. While official estimates have not yet been published, total government expenditures for the CWC 2007 are estimated at US$150 million.
Scotia Economics expects the Barbados economy to stay on a robust growth trajectory throughout 2008 while inflation will trend downwards. In fact the Barbadian economy will grow by about 4 per cent per year through 2008, led by the tourism and construction sectors. The country's current account deficit will decline slightly throughout 2008, primarily due to the effect of lower fuel costs on imports and to an expected increase in tourism revenue that will partially offset the large trade deficit.
World Cup results batted as far as Canada
While the playing action is focused thousands of kilometres away, the CWC 2007 will expect an impact as far north as Canada, according to Scotia Economics. With Canada's multicultural composition, many Canadians will spend thousands of dollars on food, drink and entertaining during the seven-week event. According to the International Cricket Council, in 2006 there were more than 6,735 senior cricket players in Canada and 1,920 juniors. In addition, player numbers have increased steadily over the past four years.
Statistics Canada census data also indicate that Canada has many large immigrant populations from countries where cricket is a top sport. These include: United Kingdom 606,000; India 120,000; Sri Lanka 87,000; Pakistan 80,000; Trinidad and Tobago 64,000.
As leader in the banking sector in the Caribbean, Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work. Scotiabank is a Regional Official Sponsor of the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007. Scotiabank is also the Official Bank of West Indies Cricket and the Exclusive Sponsor of Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket.
Scotia Economics provides clients with in-depth research into the factors shaping the outlook for Canada and the global economy, including macroeconomic developments, currency and capital market trends, commodity and industry performance, as well as monetary, fiscal and public policy issues.
The report can be found at
http://www.scotiacapital.com/English/bns_econ/special0420.pdf
Canada's home international matches in 2007 -- Posted Wednesday, April 25 2007
Intercontinental Cup
June 16 Canada v UAE - 4 days - starts at Maple Leaf CC in King City
June 21 One day match - Canada v UAE , Toronto
June 22 One day match - Netherlands v UAE , Toronto
(above not official ODIs as UAE does not have that status)
June 23 ODI 1 - Canada v Netherlands Toronto
June 24 ODI 2 - Canada v Netherlands Toronto
June 27 Intercontinental Cup v Netherlands - 4 days .
Source - Cricket Europe
Watching WC2007 semi-finals and final -- Posted Tuesday, April 24 2007
York University Cricket Club advises that they have arranged showing the Cricket World Cup 2007 Semi Finals today (24th April) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at room 430 in the Student Center.
There will be showing of the other Semi final between Australia and South Africa tomorrow (25th April) in the same room at Student Center.
Also on the 28th we will be showing the Final game also in the Student Center room 430.
See you there.
Mahjuj Sourav.
York U CC
Role of commerce and gambling in the rise of cricket -- Posted Tuesday, April 24 2007
The image of cricket, more than any other, has become associated with fair play, unselfishness and high ideals. But at vital stages in its history the game developed under the impetus of the profit motive. Such was the case with the first English tour to Australia, sponsored by the Melbourne catering firm of Spiers and Pond. Furthermore, during the important formative years the gambling nobility in England used the game as a vehicle for massive wagers.
Once upon a time Reverend Lord Frederick Beauclerk, in a public oration, emphasised that cricket is a fine character-building game, “unalloyed by
love of lucre and mean jealousies”. On other occasions he boasted that the game was worth 600 guineas a year to him, gained in side-bets.
A tidy sum in the early l800s when a labourer had to work for three weeks to earn a guinea.
In the early days of cricket the gambling lust provided the material base that the game needed to progress beyond the level of a country yokel’s diversion to become a self—supporting part of the entertainment industry. So, like a beautiful flower growing from a dungheap, the great and noble game survived a precarious infancy to become the joy and delight to flannelled fools the world over.
Particularly important were gambling members of the upper classes who had plenty of time and money to waste and in this respect Oliver Cromwell’s rule was a critical period. He banned Sunday cricket and one of his strategies to subjugate the unruly and turbulent Irish was to order that all the cricket bats and balls in Ireland be collected and burnt by the common hangman. But he unwittingly fostered the game because large numbers of the nobility quit London during the puritan administration to pass the time on their country estates waiting for the restoration of a good old—fashioned monarch. There they discovered that their gardeners and ploughmen had a jolly good game going in their spare time.
And although a moralistic tract of the times listed cricket as a pastime of ‘the common sort’, on a par with ‘lying in ale houses’, the gentry acquired a taste for the game and after the restoration it became quite the thing in London to organise clubs and cricket matches, not devoid of financial interest, of course. Later the game received vice— regal patronage from Frederick, Prince of Wales (father of George III) who died in 1751 as a result of a tumor precipitated by a blow from a cricket ball. This was probably a moral victory for the puritans. It was also a sad loss to the Surrey team (which he financed) and an equally sad loss to the gambling fraternity at large (he lost up to 2000 pounds on some games).
This was the era of the feudal lords of cricket who ran the game by promoting matches between teams of their own choice partly for the sport and partly for massive wagers. Outstanding players were not originally paid as such but were employed by their patrons. Sir Horace Mann lured a fine young batsman away from the Hambledon club with the offer of a bailiff ‘s position on his country estate and the Earl of Tarikerville employed ‘Lumpy’ Stevens as a gardener.
Stevens’ nickname has aroused quite a deal of learned controversy; it may have had something to do with his bowling action, or his once eating a whole apple pie at a sitting, or, as an exponent of underarm shooters, his liking for a wicket pitched on uneven ground. Stevens had the distinction of being the first lower class cricketer to have his portrait painted. Some patrons of the game were immortalised in oils because they were noblemen, but Lumpy was painted because his crafty shooters made such an impact on the game.
In view of the modest remuneration for players and the large sums of money hanging on the major games there was obviously great scope for bribery and corruption of the players by patrons, backers and the bookmakers who began to divide their time between the racetrack and the oval. Some of these unscrupulous ‘legs’ went down into Hampshire in the spring to try to buy up the players early in the season. The wretched bookies even set up their tables and called the odds in front of the pavilion at Lords; the moneychangers were at work in the very temple of cricket. Eventually they disappeared as the game ceased to attract bettors and, as it happened, the sheep lasted longer at Lords than the bookies. The M.C.C. was extremely loath to defile the sacred sward with a newfangled contraption like a mower. Rumor has it that when the first such engine appeared a gentleman passing by recruited a nearby gang of roadworkers who beat it to death with sledge hammers.
Not surprisingly, betting was a vital part of the early game in Australia. An early single-wicket contest in Tasmania was played for five pounds and a bottle of wine, and on the Sydney domain when negotiable currency in the form of coin and folding money was in short supply, wagers on early matches were laid in such items as sawn timber, fat pigs, boots, butter and salt fish.
During the first contest between Victoria and N.S.W. the odds started at 3 to 2 on Victoria but after various New ‘South Welshmen ‘lowered their flags’, ‘had their stumps unsettled’ and ‘declared the wicket vacant’, the betting firmed to 3 to 1. However, the northerners eventually won, no doubt to the financial embarrassment of the Victorians.
When one of W.G. Grace’s teams looked like losing to Victoria, W.G. allegedly used the newly installed telegraph to warn his friends in London to lay off some of their bets. Bookmakers in the main stand at the S.C.G. in 1879 were blamed for a riot which almost ended cricketing relations between Australia and England. The English captain, Lord Harris, claimed that the bookmakers urged a mob of larrikins to invade the field when a Sydney batsman was controversially given out.
Nowadays commercial sponsorship, including the opportunity to advertise crunchy breakfast cereal (like a cricket bat with holes in) is taking the part once played by the gambling feudal lords. Money flows into the game from purveyors of cigarettes and razor blades (a rich irony in view of the facial adornment of the early players). No doubt the players will respond energetically to the new incentives, after all, Lumpy Stevens would have bowled his heart out for a good helping of apple pie.
The game assumed a new dimension with the advent of international tours. The first would-be tourists planned to travel from England to Paris in 1789 at the invitation of the British Ambassador, the Duke of Dorset, a great patron of the game who organised many matches in England for the Hambledon Club. When the players arrived at Dover to board ship they met the Duke on his way home, fleeing from the French Revolution. And so the first international tour was abandoned for political reasons.
The records do not indicate who the tourists would have played when they reached Paris. They may have put on single wicket games, or split up to play five a side, or they may have gone into the field with local players. People played cricket in France as early as the fifteenth century and French colonists took the game overseas to Canada and the French West Indies. Enthusiastic cricketers among the lace—makers from Nottingham who settled in northern France established local competitions in Dieppe and Calais, as did a number of English residents in Paris.
Over fifty years elapsed before the next international tour. This occurred in North America in 1842 when eighteen players from the St. Georges Club in New York traveled to Toronto, in Canada. Early English colonists carried the game to New York where- the first recorded game, in 1751, was played between ‘London’ and ‘New York’. In Toronto the local side comfortably beat the tourists in a one day game, played for a prize of fifty pounds, not counting side bets. A pickup game followed and in the evening the visitors wined and dined in a riotous celebration with innumerable toasts.
Some years later Canada and the United States played the first recognised international game between representative teams. A prize of a thousand pounds was at stake, a massive sum by today’s standards, and enthusiastic supporters made side bets of many thousands of dollars. Canada won the game with scores of 82 and 63 against the United States’ scores of 64 and 58. No bowling analysis was recorded In the second innings the U.S. opening batsman, George Wheatcroft, did not arrive at the ground until the game was over. His negligence is surprising in view of the prize money, but the delinquent batsman may have been bribed by a Canadian or he may have had his own money on the opposition.
In the following year two international matches occurred but the fourth game, in 1846, produced an ugly incident which halted the series for seven years. A Canadian batsman charged down the bowler as he accepted a caught-and—bowled opportunity. In the very early days it was a legitimate tactic, provided that the batsman did not leave the vicinity of the pitch. When the bowler regained -his feet he threw- the ball at the batsman and despite apologies from the U.S. team, including the bowler, the Canadians refused to continue the game.
The series resumed in 1853. The United States won the match and harmonious relations were sealed after the game when the Canadians were entertained lavishly at Delmonico’s Restaurant. Up to 1970, 48 games have been played in the series. The United States had won 27, Canada had won 16, and 5 were drawn.
In 1859 North America featured in another milestone in cricket history when the first intercontinental touring party arrived from England. The Montreal Cricket Club sponsored the tour, helped by the proprietors of the St. Lawrence Hotel in Montreal. The players were guaranteed 50 pounds plus expenses. Twelve professionals sailed from Liverpool in September, rather late in the year as it turned out by the time they reached the end of their itinerary. George Parr from Nottinghamshire, ‘The Lion of the North’ was captain but at sea he was anything but a lion. He frequently had recourse to gin and water to settle his nerves during heavy weather.
Among the other players were John Wisden the leading allrounder, H.H. Stephenson who captained the first tourists in Australia, and William Caffyn, ‘The Surrey Pet’ who toured Australia with Stephenson and settled in this country. They played five games, all against teams of twenty two players. This allowed the bowlers to return some spectacular figures. George Parr captured 16 wickets for 25 runs in one innings and in another Caffyn took 16 for 26. Despite their disadvantage in numbers the tourists won all their matches, some by an innings. The local players were competent and keen in bowling and fielding but they could not cope with the English bowlers. The slow lobs delivered by Parr and Caffyn were particularly effective and in a game against XXII of U.S.A. the fast bowler Wisden took six wickets in six balls.
The first game was a two day affair against Lower Canada in Montreal. The tourists won by eight wickets and after a splendid banquet at the St. Lawrence Hotel they proceeded to Hoboken, New York. The local populace greeted them with extraordinary enthusiasm. A great crowd waited at the station, the streets were packed and a band at the hotel played ‘Rule Britannia’. The day before the game started over 2,000 people visited the ground, just to see what it looked like, and over 25,000 saw the game. In Philadelphia equally large crowds turned out, including a thousand ladies, dressed in the height of fashion, who occupied a special stand reserved for the fairer sex. Winter was setting in by this time and the wet ground required several wagon loads of sawdust to allow the play to proceed.
The first English cricket tour of Australia in 1861 came about because the novelist Charles Dickens was not inclined to travel. The Melbourne caterers, Spiers and Pond, invited the great man to tour Australia for mutual profit. He declined the offer, and their second choice was a cricket team. Only twelve players came, with seven from Surrey including the captain H.H. Stephenson and William Caffyn, two of the North American tourists of 1859. A crowd of 10,000 waited at the docks when their ship berthed in Melbourne on Christmas eve, and the sustained Interest and hospitality of the locals forced the tourists to travel some miles out of town to practice in peace.
They played against teams of twenty-two in all their games except the first. Stephenson pleaded that they had not recovered from the voyage and only eighteen Victorians went into the field. The Melbourne ground at Richmond was even then the best cricket arena in the world for spectators. The grandstand held 6,000 and there were banked seats for the general public. On the first day 15,000 people came to the ground. The Englishmen wore hats resembling helmets to protect them from the fierce colonial sun. They also wore sashes in various colours, identified on the score cards, so that spectators could tell one from the others.
The tourists won the first game by an innings and In their twelve games they only lost two. One was against a combined twenty-two of Victoria and N.S.W., the other against twenty-two of Castlemain. The second defeat may sound surprising but several things made life difficult for the Englishmen. Apart from the odds against them the team had no reserves, the programme was hectic, traveling was slow and tiring, and everywhere the hospitality was overwhelming. Caffyn wrote “Scarcely a day passed without our being entertained to champagne breakfasts, luncheons and dinners”.
Apart from the games on the programme there were light-hearted diversions. In Melbourne ‘Surrey’ played ‘The World’ and won. At Beechworth, where the local twenty—two made only 20 (twelve failed to score), Griffith played and beat eleven locals in a single wicket game. After the main fixture at Castlemain, Griffith, Lawrence and Iddson salvaged some prestige by beating eleven of the locals in a single wicket match.
Spiers and Pond made so much money from the tour that they allowed the Englishmen to share half the profits from the last game. The promoters could well afford this generosity because the tourists received only Ł150 plus expenses and bonuses. S piers and Pond cleared Ł11,000 all told. When the touring party returned to England, Charles Lawrence stayed behind in Sydney to coach for the Albert Club.
Two years later, in 1863, George Parr brought a stronger team to Australia. Again they played against teams of twenty-two but they went through the tour, including three games in New Zealand, without any loss. Dr. E.M. Grace, oldest of the three formidable brothers (all three played for England), was the only amateur in the party of twelve. Other players included Caffyn, ‘Tear-Em’ Tarrant the fast bowler who a young Australian called Spofforth adopted as a model, Julius Caesar the brilliant batsman and fielder, and John Jackson, the other fast bowler, called ‘Foghorn’ because he blew his nose loudly whenever he took a wicket.
Their only anxious moments in the field occurred in a game against N.S.W. The tourists escaped with a one wicket victory after the renegade Englishman, Charles Lawrence, took six wickets cheaply for N.S.W.
The team suffered the usual indignities of traveling long distances in horsedrawn vehicles but their worst experience came at sea when their steamer ran down a small vessel off Sydney Heads. The incident occurred in the dark, adding to the confusion. George Parr, ‘The Lion of the North’, was petrified with fright. Tarrant panicked and tried to jump into the boat being lowered to rescue the crew of the other craft. Julius Caesar remained calm and helped the crew while Jackson slept through the whole drama.
Nine years elapsed before Dr. W.G. Grace brought out the third touring party. The Champion demanded a fee of Ł1,500 plus expenses for himself. Not bad for an amateur although he had to pay a locum to look after his medical practice. The professionals in the party received Ł170 plus expenses. The team played fifteen games, including two in South Australia. They lost three, including the first of the tour, an innings defeat by a Victorian eighteen.
At Ballarat W.G Grace and his younger brother Fred each scored centuries in stifling heat. The Victorian fast bowler Sam Cosstick complained that there seemed to be a whole family of Graces batting against them. A local journalist wrote ‘The sun shone infernally, the eleven scored tremendously, we fielded abominably, and all drank excessively’. Drinking was partly responsible for the defeat at Stawell, although leading players such as Cosstick, Allan, Cooper , Wills and Conway repeatedly turned up to play for the country teams.
In a special exhibition at the M.C.G. Dr. Grace and partners batted against eleven Victorians to show how he could perform against a normal contingent of fielders. He scored 100 in 58 minutes. Sam Cosstick became disgruntled with his part in the proceedings, and let fly three ‘beamers’. The press reported ‘the missiles passed near enough to the. Leviathan’s body to make him wince’. The game stopped forthwith and Sam was placated with the aid of liquid refreshments.
Friction between the professionals and amateurs in the party marred the tour. The amateurs traveled first class, the professionals traveled second. They also complained of inferior accommodation and entertainment. Feelings ran high in an exchange of letters in the Argus between the tour promoter and James Lillywhite, spokesman for the professionals. Lillywhite’s final letter had expletives deleted from it. Despite this bone of contention, Lillywhite captained the next touring team in 1876—77, the tour which started the continuing series of test matches between England and Australia.
Historical article sourced from:-
http://www.the-rathouse.com/Revivalist4/cricketessay.html
West Indies 1886 tour to Canada -- Posted Tuesday, April 24 2007
The First West Indies Cricket Tour – Canada and the United States in 1886 Edited and with an introduction by Hilary McD Beckles with The Tour of the West Indian Cricketers August and September, 1886, gives cricket lovers a clear synopsis of the tour of the West Indian cricketers August and September, 1886.
Hilary McD Beckles is Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal, and Professor of Economic and Social History, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. He has published extensively on West Indian history, women and slavery and West Indian cricket history.
The book includes a vivid memory by one of the cricketers LR Fyfe that gives a clear connection between North America and the development of cricket in the West Indies. The historical context of the book is remarkable.
The description of the tour’s social and historical significance adds immeasurably to the appreciation of the diary and enhances its appeal as a delightful journey and ball by ball account from so many years ago.
It is not generally known that the West Indies cricket team, formed in 1884, made its first overseas tour two years later to Canada and the United States. The tourists played thirteen matches during August and September; they won six, lost five and two were drawn.
The first match was played again in the Montreal Cricket Club in August 1886. It ended in a draw after which the West Indians moved on to Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton.
They arrived in the United States to play a number of matches in Philadelphia where the cricket culture was well established.
Local clubs proved too strong an opposition for the tourists. The press was encouraging but made it clear that the islanders were out of their depth. It was an important tour for the West Indies cricketers. It was the first international step in an apprenticeship that lasted decades.
The English decided, finally to host the West Indians in 1900. This book speaks to the Canadian and American beginning of the West Indians cricket culture that was to emerge a century later as the most powerful performance force the game has ever seen.
The book has been launched in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and will be launched in Barbados and Guyana over the course of the ICC Cricket World Cup. The book is currently available at the bookstore at the University of the West Indies in St Augustine.
Review sourced from:- http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,55491.html
Cricket conference in Toronto -- Posted Monday, April 23 2007
THE CHANGING FACE OF WORLD CRICKET:
THE FUTURE OF CRICKET AFTER THE 2007 WORLD CUP
A conference co-sponsored by the University of Toronto, (Faculty of Physical Education and Health), and the Canadian Cricket Association
Thursday May 3, 2007 - 9.30am to 4.00pm U of T Athletic and Physical Education Centre, 55 Harbord Street at Spadina
PROGRAM
Welcome and Opening - Bruce Kidd
Greetings from the Canadian Cricket Association
- Ben Sennik, President
"The Impact of the 2007 World Cup upon cricket in the West Indies" - Speaker from the West Indies
"Murder and mayhem: can cricket survive the negatives?"
- Dr. Boria Majumdar, University of Calcutta
"Canadian cricket: the times they are a changing"
- Steve Ferley, Canadian Cricket Association
"Hail to the champions: the athletic highlights of the 2007 World Cup" - David Cooper, University of Toronto
Match results for Canada - Aug 2006 to March 2007 -- Posted Sunday, April 22 2007
Thursday, 22 March 2007
ICC World Cup
Canada: 249-9 ( 49.2 overs )
New Zealand: 363-5 ( 50.0 overs )
Sunday, 18 March 2007
ICC World Cup
Canada: 228-7 ( 50.0 overs )
England: 279-6 ( 50.0 overs )
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
ICC World Cup
Canada: 199 ( 50.0 overs )
Kenya: 203-3 ( 43.2 overs )
Thursday, 08 March 2007
Other Match
Canada: 115 ( 32.5 overs )
Ireland: 116-3 ( 26.5 overs )
Tuesday, 06 March 2007
Other Match
Canada: 196 ( 46.4 overs )
Pakistan: 273-8 ( 48.0 overs )
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
International Triangular Series
Bangladesh: 278-5
Canada: 265-7
Monday, 26 February 2007
International Triangular Series
Bermuda: 206-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 207-7 ( 44.1 overs )
Monday, 05 February 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Kenya: 250-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 92 ( 14.5 overs )
Sunday, 04 February 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Canada: 312-4 ( 49.4 overs )
Ireland: 308-7 ( 50.0 overs )
Friday, 02 February 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Bermuda: 106 ( 15.5 overs )
Canada: 162-8 ( 21.0 overs )
Wednesday, 31 January 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Canada: 269-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Scotland: 276-4 ( 50.0 overs )
Tuesday, 30 January 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Canada: 200 ( 44.0 overs )
Netherlands: 201-2 ( 35.0 overs )
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
International Triangular Series
Kenya: 144 ( 35.1 overs )
Canada: 213-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
International Triangular Series
Canada: 208 ( 44.3 overs )
Scotland: 209-8 ( 47.2 overs )
Thursday, 18 January 2007
International Triangular Series
Canada: 292-5 ( 50.0 overs )
Scotland: 293-8 ( 49.5 overs )
Thursday, 30 November 2006
NatWest International Triangular Series
Bermuda: 178-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 179-7 ( 39.4 overs )
Thursday, 22 March 2007
ICC World Cup
Canada: 249-9 ( 49.2 overs )
New Zealand: 363-5 ( 50.0 overs )
Sunday, 18 March 2007
ICC World Cup
Canada: 228-7 ( 50.0 overs )
England: 279-6 ( 50.0 overs )
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
ICC World Cup
Canada: 199 ( 50.0 overs )
Kenya: 203-3 ( 43.2 overs )
Thursday, 08 March 2007
Other Match
Canada: 115 ( 32.5 overs )
Ireland: 116-3 ( 26.5 overs )
Tuesday, 06 March 2007
Other Match
Canada: 196 ( 46.4 overs )
Pakistan: 273-8 ( 48.0 overs )
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
International Triangular Series
Bangladesh: 278-5
Canada: 265-7
Monday, 26 February 2007
International Triangular Series
Bermuda: 206-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 207-7 ( 44.1 overs )
Monday, 05 February 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Kenya: 250-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 92 ( 14.5 overs )
Sunday, 04 February 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Canada: 312-4 ( 49.4 overs )
Ireland: 308-7 ( 50.0 overs )
Friday, 02 February 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Bermuda: 106 ( 15.5 overs )
Canada: 162-8 ( 21.0 overs )
Wednesday, 31 January 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Canada: 269-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Scotland: 276-4 ( 50.0 overs )
Tuesday, 30 January 2007
ICC World Cricket League
Canada: 200 ( 44.0 overs )
Netherlands: 201-2 ( 35.0 overs )
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
International Triangular Series
Kenya: 144 ( 35.1 overs )
Canada: 213-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
International Triangular Series
Canada: 208 ( 44.3 overs )
Scotland: 209-8 ( 47.2 overs )
Thursday, 18 January 2007
International Triangular Series
Canada: 292-5 ( 50.0 overs )
Scotland: 293-8 ( 49.5 overs )
Thursday, 30 November 2006
NatWest International Triangular Series
Bermuda: 178-9 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 179-7 ( 39.4 overs )
Monday, 27 November 2006
NatWest International Triangular Series
Bermuda: 235-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 239-5 ( 47.5 overs )
Sunday, 26 November 2006
NatWest International Triangular Series
Canada: 254-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Netherlands: 271-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Sunday, 06 August 2006
One Day International Series
Canada: 94
Kenya: 97-5
Saturday, 05 August 2006
One Day International Series
Canada: 129
Kenya: 237-9
Monday, 27 November 2006
NatWest International Triangular Series
Bermuda: 235-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Canada: 239-5 ( 47.5 overs )
Sunday, 26 November 2006
NatWest International Triangular Series
Canada: 254-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Netherlands: 271-8 ( 50.0 overs )
Sunday, 06 August 2006
One Day International Series
Canada: 94
Kenya: 97-5
Saturday, 05 August 2006
One Day International Series
Canada: 129
Kenya: 237-9
Wickets in The West -- Posted Saturday, April 21 2007
One of the first cricket tour books, Wickets in The West or The Twelve in America deals with the MCC amateur tour of Canada in 1872.
Some concerned devotees of Canadian cricket approached the MCC with a view of having a visit to the colony by a group of cricketers.
The secretary of the Marylebone Cricket Club, R.A. Fitzgerald, was charged with the responsibility of finding eleven other MCC members to accompany him on the trip. As membership of the club was confined to 'gentleman' the tour was limited to amateur talent.
The one stipulation of the Canadians was that W.G. Grace was to be a member of the touring party. It seems his fame had crossed the Atlantic, as the greatest cricketer in the world, this at the age of 25.
This was not the overweight and overbearing figure that most people now imagine when they think of the Grace legend. This was a tall, lithe, broad shouldered athlete (although he already sported a magnificent beard).
The tour was in doubt almost up to departure time, with Grace only agreeing to terms three days before sailing, and three players withdrawing at the last minute. Two with illness and disappointedly C.I. Thornton the biggest hitter in the game, withdrawing with fright after passing a shop window and spying a photograph of a sinking ship.
The most notable of the other players selected were the Hon. George Harris, soon to become Lord Harris and eventually to become one of the most powerful men in cricket. The other notable was A.N. 'Monkey' Hornby who led England in the legendary 'Ashes' Match in 1882.
Both became lifelong friends and staunch supporters of WG, and both helped him in later life when his cantankerous nature occasionally came to the fore during cricket matches.
As for the tour itself, the 'twelve' (they always fielded 12) met ridiculously easy opposition, winning every game (except for a farcical draw in the last match), despite the fact that they played against 22 in every match. Imagine having to steer the ball through 22 fieldsman!
What they lacked in cricketing skill the hosts certainly made up for it in the entertainment stakes. The 'twelve' seemed to be in attendance at a dance or ball or stage play every night of the tour.
Grace was the undoubted star of the tour scoring most runs 540 (next best 146) best average 49.1 (next best 16.4), claiming his fair share of wickets, and also proving a very adept dancer.
R.A. Fitzgerald also conveys the speech style of WG; his first speech went as follows: "gentleman, I beg to thank you for the honour you have done me: I never saw better bowling than I have seen today, and I hope to see as good wherever I go."
For the rest of the tour whenever Grace was called on to make a speech he would simply replace the word bowling eg. Batting, fielding so forth, but otherwise repeat the entire speech verbatim. Much to the delight of his team-mates.
Although the tour proved a great success, the team returned to England to find themselves heavily criticised for excepting money to tour, this accusation was strenuously denied by Fitzgerald in the book.
In Scores and Biographies it was stated that apart from having all of their expenses paid, each gentleman cricketer was paid 600 dollars in gold for each match (they played eight matches). According to the rules of the day amateur players were only to accept expenses.
The writing style after 134 years can be a little confusing, with each player seemingly having half a dozen nicknames. It seems it was written in a light-hearted humorous manner, but time has caused many expressions and sayings to become meaningless.
An important and rare book, every W.G. Grace biographer has dedicated a chapter to this Canadian tour relying heavily on this book for information, and it is still after all this time a quality read.
Unfortunately Wicket in The West is a hard book to find and a little expensive at about 200 US dollars.
Published: 1873
Pages: 335
Publisher: Tinsley Brothers
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Item sourced from:-
http://www.cricketweb.net/content/bookreview.php?NewsIDAuto=3546
Quandry for victorious Irish -- Posted Saturday, April 21 2007
Cricket diary: A delicious quandry for victorious Irish
Ireland's remarkable success in the World Cup has given the Irish Cricket Union an unexpected problem. Nearly all of its players are amateurs who have taken time off from work to play and only expected to need the fortnight of the pool stage.
Qualifying for the Super Eight would mean asking for one more month. The ICU compensates employers for their absent workers, and the thought came irresistibly to mind of when Irish public broadcasting was nearly capsized by a national success in the Eurovision Contest, as a hat trick of victories meant that the state broadcaster, RTE, was forced to take on the considerable staging costs of the contest three years running.
Early indications, though, were good, with the ICU secretary, John Wright, reporting that contact had been made with two-thirds of employers and no problems had arisen.
Full story can be read at:- http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/21/sports/cricket.php
Editors comment:-
There would appear to be an object lesson for the Canadain Cricket Association administrators to make similar contacts in future. (JH)
Cricket Lovers - Wanted -- Posted Saturday, April 21 2007
Cricket Lovers - Wanted
Location: Winnipeg
Date Listed: 14-Apr-07
Anyone who is interested in playing competitive hardball cricket, please contact us at 204-782-5735. We play at Assiniboine Park during summer months. We welcome all nationalities. Just join the fun. It would be a great way to meet a new group of people.
You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain by joining one of our clubs.
First practice sessions will be held in May….
Look forward to hearing from you ….
Cricket: Season Set to Open in Western Canada -- Posted Friday, April 20 2007
The domestic Canadian outdoor cricket season begins over the course of the next month. The first competitive matches are scheduled for Victoria, on Vancouver Island starting this Saturday (April 21).
Cricket enthusiasts and, hopefully, new followers of the game, attracted by publicity surrounding Cricket World Cup 2007, will come along to watch or even participate in the sport in the local parks and grounds across the country.
The milder climate in southern British Columbia allows the Victoria and District Cricket Association (VDCA) to schedule play on the weekend of April 21 and 22. The British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) starts on April 28. Outdoor cricket resumes in other parts as the climate allows.
In Manitoba, cricket playing continued for much of the winter in Winnipeg, thanks to 7-a-side and 6-a-side indoor leagues. The 7-a-side competition was won by Winnipeg Juniors.
The Manitoba Cricket Association has a number of indoor coaching sessions that continue during April. Some are aimed at High Performance cricketers but others have a broader-based participation. The sessions have operated from Under 13 up to Senior Mens, as well as promoting coaching for women..
Staying in the west, the Calgary and District League season is also set to open on April 28. Predators will be hoping to repeat their Premier Division win and success in the Provincial Championship. Cricket followers in Edmonton will soon be able to see action in the Edmonton and District League.
The intense rivalry between these two Alberta cities, which crescendos on the (ice) hockey rink, continues in cricket. A series of Inter-City matches are scheduled this summer at several levels. These include Master, Senior, Under-23, Under-18 and Under-15.
The other prairie province, Saskatchewan, also has a small cricket league involving teams from Saskatoon and Regina.
A number of web-sites exist for Provincial Cricket Associations, cricket leagues/associations, and for some clubs through which news, schedules, results, and contacts in the cricket scene can usually be found. Some of the leagues do a fine job in maintaining information.
The start of the season in Eastern Canada is also imminent. In Toronto, the City is to stage a series of exhibitions linked to South Asian Heritage month starting in May and, according to latest information, continuing into June. News of cricket in the east will follow next week.
Eddie Norfolk
Bridgetown, Barbados
Lara quits international cricket -- Posted Friday, April 20 2007
West Indies captain, Brian Lara, had stuck to his guns on focusing on West Indies last two Cricket World Cup matches rather than West Indies future needs or his own plans....until tongight (Thursday night).
Lara ended the media conference ater his side's win over Bangladesh by saying " On Saturday I will bid farewell to international cricket as a player. I have already spoken to my board and my players."
He had been asked about previous comments on him continuing to play Test cricket until he is 40, and if he would be going to England next month to play in West Indies next Tests.
Lara clearly has ideas on how West Indies needs to re-generate development of the game, but stuck to his guns on that theme. He has said over the last few days, he would only share those ideas with the West Indies Cricket Board and other relevant bodies, such as the Cricket Committee, headed by Clive Lloyd.
The closest he came, today, was to say "The team is good enough, the talent is there. Success in international sport stems from more than the players on the field."
"Our cricket needs a strong foundation."
"I was confident I'd play my 300th game in this World Cup," said Lara, but he will close on 299 matches. Earlier in the conference, he said "I have enjoyed every single day I've played for the West Indies.
As for today's Super 8 match, West Indies, put in to bat by Bangladesh, struggled at first but went on to make 230 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Ramnaresh Sarwan ended on 91 runs not out (89 balls, 5x4, 2x6). Lara made a brisk 33 runs off 27 balls (including 1x4, 2x6), batting sixth in the order. Shivanrine Chanderpaul anchored the innings with 50 runs (85 balls).
Bangladesh never got going against the West Indies bowlers. although it was only in the late overs that West Indies had been able to put momentum into their batting.
Darren Powell took 3 wickets for 38 runs off ten overs as Bangladesh was all out for 131 runs. It took a stand of 58 runs for the sixth wicket to take the total towards respectibility. Maharafee Bin Mortaza made 37 runs and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim was 38 runs not out when the last wicket fell.
Corey Collymore, Dwyne Bravo and Chris Gayle each took two Bangladeshi wickets.
But at the end of the day, the media looked at each other to re-confirm, Lara's just said he's finished playing international cricket, hasn't he.
England Coach Quits
Earlier in the day the England and Wales Cricket Board announced that coach Duncan Fletcher was stepping down after this Cricket World Cup. England meets the West Indies on Saturday in their final Super 8 match. Both sides have missed qualifying for the semi-final stage next week.
"The ECB would like to formally put on record our grateful thanks to Duncan Fletcher for his outstanding service to cricket throughout England and Wales," said ECB chief executive, David Collier.
"England's rise to number two in the LG ICC Test Championship is in no small measure due to his rigorous plannig and excellent coaching skills." Collier noted the 2005 "Ashes series victory over Australia, a record eight successive test wins".
"Away from the international arena, Duncan was instrumental in persuading the ECB and the First Class Counties to introduce central contracts and his contribution provides an excellent legacy for his successor. He leaves with our best wishes and genuine appreciation from ECB for his achievements."
Fletcher feels "it is in the team's best interests over the long term that I should move on and seek a new challenge elsewhere."
Eddie Norfolk
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
P.S.
The late Bob Woolmer, who coached Lara at Warwickshire in the mid-1990s, once said: "He has five double-hundreds, a 375, a 400 and a 501. Anyone who can score that prolifically has to be one of the greatest batsmen of all time, not just of his era."
Read full story at:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/west_indies/6574711.stm
Pre-game comments from the two captains -- Posted Thursday, April 19 2007
West Indies v Bangladesh -
West Indies perspective: Lara looking for two wins
West Indies captain, Brian Lara, want to”finish with two wins” in the Super 8's to end this CWC 2007 for the hosts. “The England team's wins have been against the minnows, like Kenya. We've beaten Pakistan so we can beat big teams. Bangladesh has taken care of a couple of big teams. It's still an opportunity for us to play cricket like we know we can.”
“I think it is most important we do start on our second round (West Indies has not recorded a win in Super 8 matches, so far) and finish on a high. It's very important for us to do something at this stage. We've been disappointing to this stage.”
“We've got to finish on a high, The tournament will continue for a week and we won't,” he continued, referring to his side not being in the semi-finals or final.
Asked about the contributions from senior players, including himself, he replied “Yes, we (the senior players) wanted to produce more. We all know (there is disappointment among supporters) from Chris Gayle down to myself. Its disappointing for use we didn't get our act together.”
He turned aside a number of questions around some of the growing impatience with the West Indies performance in this event. He would discuss “structual issues” with the “people in charge or the (West Indies Cricket) Board” if asked. This would be done in private. “This is not the time for condemnation. It is a time for constructive criticism to we build something for the future.”
So there were no profound answers today to such questions as “how long he would continue his test career”, “who he thinks should be the next captain”, or whether the team “didn't get the wickets they would have liked”.
What will Biran Lara do in the future? “Thirty-four years with a bat in my hand. That is something I'm proud of. (In the short term) I'll sit back and enjoy myself. Possibly enjoy a vacation.” Then at some point, Lara will decide what he is interested in doing.
It was interesting to see the controlled manner in which Lara responded to the questions. He had one basic message “we want to win our last two matches” and he stuck to that theme.
Bangladesh perspective: Habibul Bashar looking for a win and greater consistency
Despite the loss to Ireland on Sunday, Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar and his players “are ready for it (playing the West Indies) tomorrow. “In this World Cup we beat India and South Africa. West Indies should be a good team for us. What's important to us is how we play on a particular day.”
Questioned about his team never having beaten the West Indies, he replied “For us it is a big motivation, as it is to win any match in the World Cup. We don't want to be number eight.” Sri Lanka beat Ireland not too long after Habibul spoke, so Bangladesh will, at minimum, place seventh, but clearly he was hoping for a win on Thursday.
He agreed his team is fairly young. Some of theBangladesh squad could still represent Bangladesh at Under-19 level. “It has been a big learning experience for us. We had a lot of games played (in preparation for this tournament). We are a pretty young side. I hope we can keep this team together for 1 or 2 years. We can become a good side and get more consistency.”
“The main need is for consistency in all departments. Batting, bowling and fielding.”
He admitted to being “very much” disappointed with his own form with the bat. “The captain always wants to do something so he can lead by example. It's been unfortunate for me and for my side I have not done better.”
** Bangladesh did not win a match at CWC 2003. Their record included a loss by 60 runs to Canada.
Eddie Norfolk
Bridgetown, Barbados
Windies tour to Canada and USA in 1886 -- Posted Thursday, April 19 2007
UWI Professor calls for a 'Strategic Response” for West Indies Cricket
Professor Hilary Beckles noted it is far easier to lose a cricket culture than it is to develop or restore one at the launch of the book ”The First West Indies Cricket Tour”. The book celebrates the tour of Canada and the United States in 1886. In a CWC 2007 context, Beckles had concerns over the current criticisms of current West Indies players by past ones could be seriously counterproductive to the development of young players.
Beckles is a Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados. He has a passion for cricket and has published works on West Indian history, slavery, women and cricket history in the Caribbean. Cricket has been a unifying force in the past social history of the diverse Caribbean islands. The book launch was staged at the Three 3's ground at Cave Hill, used for CWC 2007 warm-up matches. The C.L.R. James Centre for Cricket Research sits next to this ground.
Beckles underlined ”Cricket and the UWI have been regional forces. The three W's first played for the West Indies in 1948. The UWI started in 1948.”
”Sobers sat with the three W's (Weekes, Worrell and Walcott). Everton Weekes called Sobers aside and gave him his first bat. There were also the likes of Gomez and Stolleymeyer, Ramadin and Valentine in the dressing room. We saw the results as the West Indies were world champions in the mid-1960s under Sobers as they beat England, India and Australia in consecutive test series.”
The West Indies then won the first two World Cup competitions under Clive Lloyd, now serving as Manager to the current squad during CWC 2007. Lloyd was one of the audience at this reception. Beckles said “ I sat next to Lloyd in 1995 when we lost the Sir Frank Worrell trophy (to Australia). I cried. Clive obviously felt it deep inside.”
Beckles asked “In the face of the current negativity and condemnation, would Sir Gary (Sobers) have survived? I believe he would have been destroyed.” Beckles was especially hurt by the strident criticism of “scapegoat Brian Lara, “one person who we have produced.”
“Who will mentor the next generation of players?”, Beckles almost begged.
The first West Indies tour took place to Canada and the United States. Beckles highlighted how the United States actively moved away from cricket after the Civil War, but in 1886 they were the ranking cricket nation in the Americas, with Canada also rated ahead of the West Indies.
In the USA “a cricket culture was lost in about a generation.” Cricket had been declared the national game by the first Canadian Prime Minister but by the end of the 1800's it had been overtaken by other sports. Beckles was firing warning shots that the same could happen in the present Caribbean environment. ”There has been no strategic response” to the current criticisms and “systematic decline” from the greatness of the 70's and 80's.”
“We need to come up with a strategic response. The Australians did it in the 70's. England did it, India and Sri Lanka have done it.”
“In post-World Cup reality, what will be the nature of the next step we will take after April 28?”
The book combines a previously published series of writings on ”The Tour of the West Indian Cricketers - August and September, 1886” with a cricketing and social history introduction written by Beckles. His introduction puts context to the state of the game in 1886, notes some of the subsequent developments - the rise of West Indian cricket and the fall on the North American mainland.
The hundredth anniverary of the first tour passed with barely a mention. The original text had been published in 1887 by The Argosy Press in Demerara (part of modern Guyana) but was basically a lost work until traced by (the head librarian at UWI Cave Hill.
The touring party comprised fourteen players from Jamaica, Barbados and Demerara. They played 13 matches, winning 6, losing 5 and drawing 2. The first West Indies win was against Halifax Wanderers in Montreal and the first loss was to Hamilton CC, Ontario. Four of the wins came in Canada, with four of the losses in the USA.
Professor Beckles notes the encouragement of the diplomatic community, especially the Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Michael Welsh, who “empowered” him to restore ”details of a phenomenal experience that has been buried, and largely forgotten.”
The past history recalls, for some, and reveals for probably many in the global cricketing community, the fact that the USA versus Canada in September 1844 was the first international cricket match. It briefly mentions what was probably the only cricket ever played in the Arctic circle. It involved two Royal Navy vessels seeking the North-West Passage between the Atlnatic and Pacific Oceans in 1822.
Beckles ends the first section of his introduction with a “fitting....eloquent invocation” from tour captain L.R. Ffye. It is fitting in a current context for the three Americas teams in the current era.” Let us hope, as a result of our visit, that bonds of sympathy which always exist between cricketers, no matter whence they hail, may be tightened between ourselves and the cricketers of the great American continent.”
The West Indies have had a tough CWC 2007. Former West Indies players, like the tournament organizing committees, seemed to be saying positive things before the warm-up matches began. But several jumped off the bandwagon when the team was skittled by India in a warm-up game. Some were back on the wagon with an opening match win over Pakistan, only for their wheels to wobble off again.
The US national team seemed on a possible revival course at the Americas Division of the World Cricket League in 2006 but on-going administrative issues have seen the ICC suspend the US association. Canada has progressed at the international level over the winter, but faces some challenges if it is to sustain a place as a leading Associate country.
It can take a lot of effort to develop many things in life, but destruction? As Beckles has observed, this can be swift. The West Indies has produced many fine international cricketers. CWC 2007 was hoped to be a platform to re-generate enthusiasm for the game. The Kensington Oval was vibrant on Sunday (Ireland v Bangladesh) and Tuesday (South Africa v England). The fun and love of cricket was there to see.
I heard West Indies coach Bennett King answering a range of questions on Monday. In reply to one of them, he told how he provided a plan for developing the game and facilities. His keynote was the need to “implement and sustain” facilities, player development and a range of related items in order to return to better days and restore the calypso kings magic. It made sense to me.
The Book: ”The First West Indies Cricket Tour”, edited and with an introduction by Hilary McD. Beckles, is published by Canoe Press, University of the West Indies. (www.uwipress.com)
Eddie Norfolk
The reference to an article '.... the only cricket ever played in the Arctic circle. It involved two Royal Navy vessels seeking the North-West Passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1822.' can be located at:-
http://www.canadacricket.com/opinion/121002-jh.htm
Fifth anniversary -- Posted Thursday, April 19 2007
The following is from canadacricket.com archives dated
26.03.02
Yes we have been operating for five years plus. (JH)
The (T&DCA) President's proclamation was that "He would not rest until all 11 of the Canadian team is from Toronto." To date perhaps 8 out of that team are playing in the Toronto and District Premier Division.
This is a highly commendable goal and would most certainly create a high drive for excellence, however, it is counter productive to the National picture. It is also a dangerous precursor to breaking ties with the CCA.
In my piece "The Art of War" I alluded to disparate generals (lowercase fully intended!) overseeing their own Fiefdoms. This is the case developing within the Toronto and District. The proposals presented by George Williams are certainly viable, albeit in need of a few adjustments, to reform the current executive. Certainly, these proposals should have been presented and argued years ago. I find it intriguing though, that the executive would openly state their disapproval, certainly legal but in very bad form.
One major salient point was made; that the same people are elected every year. Now then, why is that? Are we as a community so lacking in leaders that none can come forward; or is it a case of latency? The responsibility for this problem is squarely on the shoulders of the cricketing community. Why have we allowed a Fiefdom to develop? I agree to a certain extent that the T&D did manage some progress in keeping the GTA Parks and Recreation happy and our players on the field. However, when questioned about the implementation and execution of a methodology with a defined goal, the deflection was worthy of Bush's spin-doctors.
Ladies and Gentlemen we need to stop this chaos and adopt Professional attitudes. My question then becomes twofold: why did we allow this Fiefdom to develop, secondly why are the Executives of Toronto and District so hell-bent on having the National team selected solely from the GTA? Based on recent reports and demographics on immigration patterns the Greater Toronto Area will always have a consistent influx of people from the cricket playing nations and thus will have a distinct advantage in developing First Class athletes. I fail to understand why they are seeking to isolate the rest of the Provinces.
We are at a point where we can gain the momentum of the World Cup to adequately sell this sport to the North American public. However, without strong internal organization, nothing of the sort will materialize. In the National schema there are far too many egos running unchecked and behaving counter productively to positive development. Can you imagine the implications if Ontario suddenly decides to sever ties with the rest of the country?
I agree that the board has a large responsibility however they are still running at a marginal C grade mainly because of bad internal organization, lack of professionalism, poor dissemination of information and by their own admission, the failure to start meetings on time.
It would be a tremendous waste if this opportunity to advance Cricket passes us by because the leadership are too busy plucking the strings of the famed Roman violin, yet why has this attitude prevailed over the years?
Can we not admit there are flaws and repair them? George Williams' proposals are a step in the right direction but we must not allow the ageing chieftains to dissuade our decisions. Their time has ended, it is the moment to step down gracefully and allow change to progress; and we must not be afraid to step up to the challenge and do the justice Cricket deserves.
Bagai to captain Canada in UK match versus Ireland -- Posted Thursday, April 19 2007
Ashish Bagai has been named to lead Canada against Ireland in the Final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup Final in May. Bagai was the vice-captain in CWC (Cricket World Cup) 2007 and did lead the side in a match in Nairobi (Kenya) against Uganda before the World Cricket League (WCL) in January. Bagai had success with the bat in Canada's winter matches in South Africa and Kenya.
Bagai was named Player of the Tournament at the WCL. Bagai scored 137 runs not out against Scotland in the WCL, and a century against Ireland. His best first-class score is 76 runs against Bermuda in an IC 2005 match.
Slow-left arm bowler Kevin Sandher, from British Columbia, has been named vice-captain. Both Bagai and Sandher have progressed through Canadian cricket to the international stage. Their international debuts came as part of a combined Americas Under-19 team in the 2000 World Under-19 Championships. Sandher took 6 wickets for 68 runs in the IC 2004 match with Bermuda at Toronto's Sunnybrook Park.
Thirteen players have been named in the squad which will fly to England on May 15. Warm-up matches against the England Under-19 team preceed the 4-day match with Ireland. Grace Road, Leicester is the venue for this Final starting on May 22nd.
Ten of the thirteen, including Bagai and Sandher, were at the recent Cricket World Cup in St Lucia. Five of these players - Qaiser Ali, John Davison, Geoff Barnett, Ian Billcliff and Abdool Samad - each scored a century in IC 2006 Group matches.
Davison set a Canadian record of 165 runs against Bermuda that Ali eclipsed with 174 runs in the second innings against the Netherlands at Sinnoville in December 2006. Billcliff made 126 runs and Samad 119 runs against Bermuda, as Canada reached 588 runs all out. Barnett scored 136 runs in the second innings against Kenya. Ali had lead a first-innings recovery against Kenya ending on 91 runs not out.
Of the bowlers, Umar Bhatti took ten wickets in a match in each of the two IC 2006 home games, against Kenya and Bermuda. He took 8 wickets for 40 runs against Bermuda on his IC debut in 2005. Bhatti showed all-rounder potential with an innings of 83 not out against the Netherlands in South Africa. He has captained Canada at Under-19 level.
Ashif Mulla and Austin Codrington are the other World Cup 2007 squad players heading to England. Mulla transformed into a useful batsman for Canada during the winter, highlighted by his 58 runs against England. He, like Bagai and Sandher, was also part of the Americas Under-19 squad in 2000.
Trevin Bastiampillai, a 21-year old batsman, comes back to the side. He has played for Canada at Under-19 level and in two senior team internationals.These were in the World Cricket League Americas Regional championships at Maple Leaf CC in August 2006. He took a catch but did not have to bat in a 9-wicket win over Argentina or a 10 wicket win over the USA.
Ashish Patel, a pace bowler from Quebec, is set to return after a couple of years with injury problems. He did travel to a senior team net practice in January, in an attempt to prove his fitness, but the session was not attended by any of the National Selectors. Patel played two matches in the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. He took 3 wickets for 41 runs against the host nation, including the early dismissal of star players Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis. He scored 25 runs against New Zealand.
Ashish Patel made three appearances in the 2004 Intercontinental Cup. His best first-class bowling is 3 wickets for 13 runs in Bermuda's first innings at Toronto's Sunnybrook Park in 2005. He took 1 wicket on his debut against the USA, a match where Davison took 17 wickets for Canada, and scored 25 runs not out in the loss to Scotland in the 2004 IC Final.
Also in the squad is Naresh Patel, a Gujarati-born slow-left arm bowler, was in the squads for the home Intercontinental Cup matches in 2006 but did not play. He plays his cricket in Quebec.
Ireland has just completed their CWC 2007 campaign in Grenada with a loss to Sri Lanka. But incoming coach Phil Simmons is trying to arrange for as many of his players with English county affiliations to be released to play at Leicester.
Canada lost to Scotland in the inaugural 2004 IC 2004 Final. Ireland kept the title in the British Isles with a win in the 2005 Final.
Eddie Norfolk
Bridgetown, Barbados
Quo vadis Davidson -- Posted Wednesday, April 18 2007
The following is cut and pasted from the CCA web site.
What should be noted is that Ashish Bagai is shown as Captain of the Canadian squad.
What should also be noted is that Davison is still a member of the Canadian squad.
It would appear that something untoward occured during the trip to the WC2007.
Rumours suggest that Davison was dismissed as Captain Canada.
The truth will out - eventually. (Jon Harris).
CCA Names Final 13 Players to Intercontinental Cup Final Squad
April 15, 2007
The CCA announces the Intercontinental Cup final squad to play Ireland from the 22nd May to the 25th May 2007. The game will take place in Leicester at Grace Road. The team leaves on the 15th May for Birmingham. The team will be staying at the ECB Academy in Loughborough and will play a series of warm up games there prior to traveling to Leicester on the 20th.
L’ACC nomme les 13 joueurs du peloton pour le finale de la Coupe Intercontinental
L’ACC annonce le peloton pour jouer contre l'Irlande au finale de la Coupe Intercontinental, le 22 mai au 25 mai 2007. Le match aura lieu ŕ Leicester ŕ Grace Road. L’équipe départ le 15 mai pour Birmingham. L'équipe restera ŕ l'académie de cricket Anglais ŕ Loughborough et y jouera une série de matchs de préchauffage avant de voyager ŕ Leicester sur le 20 mai.
1 BAGAI Ashish Ontario Batsmen/WK - Captain
2 SANDHER Kevin BC Spin Bowler –Vice-Captain
3 ALI Qaiser Quebec Batsman
4 BARNETT Geoffery BC Batsman
5 BASTIAMPILLAI Trevin Ontario Batsman
6 BHATTI Umar Ontario Pace Bowler
7 BILCLIFF Ian BC Batsman
8 CODRINGTON Austin Ontario Pace Bowler
9 DAVISON John BC All-rounder
10 MULLA Asif Ontario Batsman/WK
11 PATEL Ashish Quebec Pace Bowler
12 PATEL Naresh Quebec Spin Bowler
13 SAMAD Abdool Ontario All-rounder
PICK Andy Coach
HENRY Mike Manager
KIESEL Dan Physio
CROSSE Geoffrey Match Analysis
Davison Encouraged By Increased Competitiveness -- Posted Tuesday, April 17 2007
Canada captain John Davison was encouraged by the way his side had put up a decent fight before going down to England by 51 runs.
Chasing 280 for victory, they fell short but managed to post their top World Cup score.
Speaking after the game, he first focused on a slightly under par bowling performance, commenting:
“We probably bowled a few too many extras early and we let them get away but I thought in the middle period we bowled pretty well and then the two Pauls (Collingwood and Nixon) got into us at the end there. 270 or 280 was probably a little to many for us on that wicket."
He went on to praise the 96 run partnership that gave the Canadians some hope of pulling off an unlikely victory:
“It would have been nice to go hard early and not lose the wickets that we did lose but Abdool Samad and Asif Mulla put on a nice little partnership there in the middle.
“I think we’ll go away from this a lot happier than we did from the game against Kenya. It has been a great experience for us to come here and play against the big sides and we showed today that we can get out there and compete. We didn’t completely match them but we did compete.”
Article located from:-
http://www.cricketworld.com/rest_of_the_world/article/?aid=10143
Editors comment:-
Three matches, three losses and the Canadian team captain is 'Encouraged'??? Methinks his best before date has expired. (JH)
An historical cricket snippet -- Posted Tuesday, April 17 2007
1840 - Cricket First introduced to Nova Scotia at King's College by Charles Bowman of Spa Springs, (King's Meadow) Windsor, who had been studying in England
http://www.birthplaceofhockey.com/windsor/big-firsts.htm
1858: THE PUBLIC ADOPTS A FLAG
Some 233 years after the grant of arms, and 109 years after the settlement of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the first use of the flag is recorded, and not as a symbol of provincial authority as the 1625 grant implicitly allows, but as a celebratory offering to a cricket club. As the Acadian Recorder of June 12, 1858 tells it, "The Mayor, on behalf of Dr. Cogswell, also presented them [the cricket club] with a flag, embodying in visible shape for the first time in our history, the arms of the Province. The flag consisted of a blue cross of St. Andrew on a white field, charged in the centre with an inescocheon [sic] of the Royal Arms of Scotland.".
Article sourced from:-
http://fraser.cc/FlagsCan/Provinces/NS.html
In Vroom's Notes on the History of King's College in Nova Scotia he says, "...cricket was brought to Windsor about 1845. It was played on the field to the north of the College, part of which is now covered with spruces, and part attached to the Clifton property, having been given to Judge Haliburton in an exchange for a right-of-way through his property to town. The field was near the large elms in the hollow, which stood out prominently with no spruces about them, and hence the name of "the Three Elms Cricket Club", which is so well known in the history of cricket in this province..."
In another article about "the Three Elms" the author says, " ... Long Pond was in the College grounds, and the level ground to the east of it was the cricket field ...
Articles sourced from:-
http://www.birthplaceofhockey.com/birthplace/long-pond/long-long-pond-story.html
Twenty20 gaining, says Gilly -- Posted Tuesday, April 17 2007
Adam Gilchrist fears 50-over cricket could be on the verge of being "cannibalised" by the Twenty20 game and has urged administrators to drop ticket prices for the World Cup.
Gilchrist admitted the "sterile" atmosphere of the World Cup, with its half-filled grandstands and over-regulated crowd control, had lacked the rich Caribbean flavour of Australia's last Test tour four years ago.
The tournament revved up with a wonderful match when Sri Lanka beat England by two runs yesterday but the sight of raucous fans celebrating in the stands has been all too rare.
As Gilchrist was suggesting tickets be sold at a cut-price rate for the rest of the tournament, besieged Cup organisers were meeting last night to discuss that very issue.
Stunned by the poor turn-out, even for matches involving the West Indies, administrators are likely to widen the areas of the lowest priced tickets which go for $US25.
Gilchrist had previously cautioned against making the Twenty20 game too big, too quickly but now wonders whether its swift progress will be unstoppable.
"I have suggested a softly, softly approach (with Twenty20 cricket) which does not mean I disapprove of the game," Gilchrist said.
"(But) having seen the lack of crowds at this World Cup maybe it is going to be the way to go. It might cannibalise the one-day game a little bit but we might have to deal with that as we go. It is a popular format.
"There are a lot of people interested in the World Cup and just talking to the locals everyone is aware of it and very excited to have it here, but that is not being translated into big numbers at the grounds which is a bit disappointing as a player.
"You come here, as spectators do, to experience the unique atmosphere of Caribbean cricket. There is certainly a sterile feel about it.
"Whatever the policy is at the moment does not seem to be working so maybe we can look at dropping the price and having a sale."
source - news.com.au
ST. CATHARINES CRICKET CLUB -- Posted Tuesday, April 17 2007
The St. Catharines Cricket Club has the honour of carrying on a tradition of cricket in the Niagara Peninsula that traces its origin to the early 1800's, with games on wickets mown by sheep between the local military garrison and the towns people.
With the establishment of Ridley College in 1889, a schoolboy cricket tradition sprung up to the advantage of all, as the Ridley Cricket grounds provided one of the most beautiful settings in all of Canada.
The changing face of the population in Canada has been mirrored in the variety of backgrounds in cricket that have been reflected in the teams field by the St. Catharines Cricket Club. Ex-Patriot Brits, Canadian schoolboys, West Indians, East Indians – all have contributed to the success of the teams in the Hamilton and District League - including the League Championship in 2001 - and tournament play and the continuing strength of the Club at the beginning of play on our third Century.
Whether practising the finger roll of the leg break or the foot work of the on-drive, weekday nets practice prepares seniors and juniors for the weekend fixtures, details of which are set out of the year’s schedule.
Cricket is a game of the ages, for all ages. Come and play or watch and help keep the tradition alive!
Item sourced from:-
http://www.cricket.computan.com/history.asp
Tom Smith’s New Cricket Umpiring and Scoring -- Posted Tuesday, April 17 2007
“Tom Smith’s New Cricket Umpiring and Scoring“ deals with the Laws of Cricket. It deals with the interpretation of the laws for umpires and guides the scorer on how to complete a scorebook. I picked up a copy of this book during the summer of 2006 and have intended to publicize it ever since. One testimonial on the back cover notes “The true Spirit of Cricket, vital technical information and essential hints on techniques are all contained in this one exceptional book.” I agree with the comments. So that’s the short version of this review!
My experience from Canadian domestic and international matches in the past ten months is that umpiring and scoring could do with a boost. A couple of people involved in the Canadian cricket scene have asked about giving umpiring and scoring a push so some new faces come forward.
This book, produced by The Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers can certainly help. Once read, the lessons and laws need to be applied in game situations. That’s the difficult part but that’s where umpires can work together to advance their standards.
It would be really useful for many of those involved in scoring – be they volunteers or pressed persons - to review the guidance provided by this book. The art of scoring comes down to doing things methodically. The method needs to go beyond asking the other team’s scorer what entries he or she made for the previous ball.
This book provides a solid indication how a match can be scored. Ideally, the scorers work independently but make periodic checks and balances to ensure the scores agree and are balanced between the bowling and batting analyses.
The final part of the balancing act, as per Law 3.15, requires the Umpires to ‘satisfy themselves as to the correctness of the number of runs scored, the wickets that have fallen, and, where appropriate, the number of overs bowled.” They check the basic scoring with the official scorers so Law 21.8 ‘Correctness of Result’ can also be satisfied.
I was going to suggest that the next version of the book or even a revision to the Laws might need to spell out that these checks ought to be done at the start of an interval - rather than at the end - or immediately after the game or the day’s play ends. But is there such a need? The ‘hint on technique’ is for checks to be made when players leave the field. Perhaps it should be embodied in the Laws as there are umpiring guides.
The 6th edition is based on the 2003 updates to the new 2000 code of laws and is a major enhancement to the 5th edition that dealt with the 2000 code. The latest edition has many illustrative photographs and illustrations than the previous version.
Lord (Colin) Cowdrey of Tonbridge had mentioned ‘the deterioration in recent years of player behaviour on the field’ as a reason for some of the changes made for the 2000 code. He also looked to umpires ‘not to shirk their responsibilities’. Umpires ‘can do much to ruin a game of cricket but more often will make an important contribution to the conduct of the game, ensuring it is played with the correct spirit.” His foreword is not included in the 6th edition but he noted “there is still much in the game to take pride in” and study of this book “will do much to enhance the reader’s understanding of the game.”
The Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers - Sixth Edition published by Wiedenfeld & Nicholson, London, England. Avaikabke at The World’s Biggest Bookstore, Edward’s Street, Toronto. Cost about $25 in Canada.
Eddie Norfolk
If Ireand can do it - what should the Canucks be doing for the next 4 years? -- Posted Monday, April 16 2007
Bray set the platform for a late assault which propelled Ireland to 243 for seven.
By Richard Gibson, PA Sport, Barbados
Ireland won permanent one-day international status after beating Bangladesh by 74 runs at Kensington Oval.
Victory for the Irish over a second Test opponent - they famously beat Pakistan in the group stage to qualify for the Super Eight - added a new chapter to their World Cup fairytale.
Two wins over major teams qualifies associate countries for full limited-overs status so Ireland, who eyed this match as their big chance to avoid the second-round wooden spoon, have become the 12th name on an International Cricket Council ranking list which includes the 10 Test-playing nations and Kenya.
The size of their achievement was put into perspective by the fact Bangladesh ousted India from the competition, thrashed South Africa last weekend and made England sweat on a four-wicket win here on Wednesday.
Success was founded on Gloucestershire hopeful William Porterfield's industrious 85 and clean late hitting from Kevin O'Brien (48) and Trent Johnston (30).
Porterfield, who heads to Bristol for a trial with the English county after this tournament, dominated an opening stand of 92 with Jeremy Ireland captain Johnston's decision to take on the new ball in early morning conditions rather than have to force the pace against Bangladesh's trio of spinners in a run chase paid off, as early consolidation preceded 98 runs from the final dozen overs.
Their usual enthusiastic fielding, paired with regular wickets, meant it was comfortably enough for further Caribbean celebration.
Fittingly it began when Johnston bowled opposite number Habibul Bashar to spark jubilation in front of one of the biggest crowds of the tournament.
When the schedule was planned out this contest was supposed to be between India and Pakistan, so with thousands of tickets bought on-line in the sub-continent but not taken up, organisers allowed free entry to bolster the 500-strong Blarney Army.
Article sourced from:-
http://worldcup.cricket365.com/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=cricket/07/04/15/WORLDCUP_Ireland.html
Ireland wins big over Bangladesh -- Posted Monday, April 16 2007
A couple of days ago, one of the International Cricket Council (ICC - cricket's governing body) circulars advised how Australia was now back at the top of the ICC LG ODI standings. South Africa had managed to top those charts for a brief - and key - period but Australia is back in pole position. The 'key' element for South Africa was it topped the table at the right time to win some money.
However, today I thought of the LG ODI standings as Ireland was moving towards a second win over an ICC Full Member side. Ireland stuck to the basics, had an opening stand of 92 runs, had some good scoring in the closing overs to reach 243 for 7, and made breakthroughs with the ball. Sufficient breakthroughs to put pressure on Bangladesh and ultimately win the game by 74 runs.
This win came a couple of days after near disaster against the powerful Australians. Some in the Irish camp probably think that match was a disaster, but they showed some pluck to recover from a very dark position.
Ireland has now beaten Pakistan and Bangladesh. Two wins over Full Member countries, and playing a sufficient number of ODI games, can place a leading Associate Country into those same LG ODI standings I didn't care about a couple of days ago.
For the record, I wasn't concerned about the current standings in the middle of CWC 2007. All things have their time and place, in my view.
Ireland also tied with Zimbabwe, another Full Member country, in the Group stages of CWC2007. Have they played enough official ODI games to gain a ranking ? Certainly.
Most of the six leading Associate Countries have had their predominantly amateur players trotting round the globe since late October or early November, if you include the ICC Winter Training Camp for 4 players from each country. So they have all played sufficient games to potentially reach the LG ODI standings but have to meet performance criteria to do so.
A long winter's journey to success
I had a TV set next to me at today's game at the Kensington Oval. At least one of the commentators was going on about it being hot for Ireland to play here. Does this cricketing "expert" know that the Irish spent most of January in South Africa preparing for the World Cricket League in Nairobi, Kenya that took them into February?
The Irish moved from Nairobi to the United Arab Emirates to play the deciding match of their 2006 ICC Intercontinental Cup group. Ireland won and are set to meet Canada at Grace Road, Leicester, England in May.
From the UAE the Irish went home for about two weeks, then flew to Trinidad for a couple of warm-up matches. They gave South Africa a big scare - the 13 players in a team proviso might have saved South Africa from defeat - and then beat Canada. This was a revenge win for the amazing six wicket win by Canada in the World Cricket League in Nairobi. Canada chased 309 runs to win and did it!
Well, the World Cup warm-up games gained more publicity than the World Cricket League to the global cricket and non-cricket communities. So not many people outside the players, support staffs and die-hard followers of international Associates and Affiliates (an even lower classification in the ICC's membership ranks) would know of Canada's win in Nairobi.
You will be able to read elsewhere how outgoing coach Adrian Birrell said after today's win over Bangladesh. "I am very proud of what we have achieved. We have a great squad of players. As Trent Johnston said, we are a tightly wound team."
"Five years ago we were ranked below Denmark. Now we lead the other Associates."
"I am very proud of the five years spent in Ireland. People accepted me as one of their own. The overriding feeling is we have moved forward in every year."
The squad also has a number of people surrounding it who have worked hard for Irish cricket. It was great to see some of the smiling faces after today's match.
It's almost a shame the win came over Bangladesh. Bangladesh was praised by ICC High Performance Manager, Richard Done, at a Tri-Nations series in Antigua recently for being willing to play the Associate countries. That event included Canada, who put up a good showing, and Bermuda. Done also mentioned Bangladesh's ODI series with Kenya and Scotland.
Bangladesh has been improving over the course of the last year. Birrell mentioned Bangladesh having ODI wins over Australia, and during this CWC, South Africa. There are some big gaps in playing experience for a number of the potentially up-and-coming cricketing countries.
On certain days these gaps look big on the field. On others they do not. In addition there are issues over infrastructure to help develop and administer the game.
Many of the leading Associate countries players have been progressing towards a professional level of performance in order to be able to attempt to compete at the top level.
Ireland are set to have "a couple of quiet beers" (approved by the coach), fly to Grenada in the morning and then meet Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka took part in CWC 1979 as an Associate member, as did Canada. There were 8 teams in the event. CWC 2007 included 16 teams, 2 more than in 2003.
Irish captain Trent Johnston, asked about the impact of this World Cup on Irish cricket said "Sri Lanka was introduced to one day cricket in the early 80's and won the World Cup ten years later. They turned one day cricket on it's head."
"There are a lot of guys playing cricket (in Ireland). People in hurling country are picking up bats." Progress has come from hard work from a determined squad of players and support staff whose success at CWC 2007 has produced much more publicity and visibility for cricket in the Emerald Isle.
Normally my cricket reports would be headed by the facts that Ireland scored 243 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. William Porterfield topped the scoring with 85 runs. He shared an opening partnership with Jeremy Bray of 92 runs in 25.3 overs. Bray took a while to get going. He made 31 runs. Kevin O’Brien came in and scored 47 runs in 45 balls, mostly in tandem with skipper Johnston, who scored 30 runs in 24 balls. Masharafe Mortaza bowled well for Bangladesh. He took one wicket for 37 runs in ten overs.
Bangladesh was going well up to the fall of their second wicket with the score on 45 runs. Mohammad Ashraful was looking threatening until out for 35 runs off 35 balls. He was the fifth wicket to fall and the Bangladesh reply was creaking. Captain Habibul Bashar battled away but never got on top of the bowling. He was last man out, bowled by opposing skipper Johnston, for 32. Bangladesh 169 runs all out. Ireland wins by 74 runs.
They did a victory lap around the ground to celebrate and pass back affection to the many West Indians, Indians and Pakistanis in the crowd. The seedings for this event had this match penciled in as India versus Pakistan. Bangladesh beat India, and Ireland beat Pakistan in the initial group stages. There was free admission to the Kensington Oval after 11 am to fill the void of seats sold on the sub-continent to Indian and Pakistani supporters who did not travel to Barbados for the Super 8’s.
It is a significant achievement for Ireland to enter the LG ODI standings. Cricket has earned visibility in Ireland as a result of this CWC 2007 and people will start to recognize the faces of some of the island's cricket players.
Remember, also, the Irish Cricket Union covers both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Or, put another way, it covers Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A great day for the Emerald Isle, one day after there was an Irish-trained winner in the Grand National, one of the major horse-races in racing in the British Isles.
What next for Irish cricket? Birrell is just looking to his last match as coach, against Sri Lanka in Grenada, one of the top team in this tournament.
And another example where sport can help bring people together.
Eddie Norfolk
Kensington Oval,
Barbados
What associate nations go through -- Posted Saturday, April 14 2007
A game of haves and have not
An amateur solution in a professional world
Martin Williamson
April 13, 2007
Amid all the World Cup headlines, one piece of news from Holland understandably slipped under the radar. Daan van Bunge, who is destined to be forever introduced as the man who Herschelle Gibbs smashed for six sixes in an over, announced that he was retiring from international cricket.
In itself, that's not earth-shattering news. He is just one of many players who will choose to bow out after the game's biggest tournament. The difference is that van Bunge is 24, talented, and represents the future for Netherlands cricket.
Full article can be read at:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/290309.html
Irish executive dies at WC2007 -- Posted Saturday, April 14 2007
Former Irish Cricket Union president Robert Kerr died of a suspected heart attack Wednesday, the second fatality at the Cricket World Cup in Kingston, Jamaica. He was 68.
Irish assistant coach Matt Dwyer told reporters that Kerr died from "a heart attack. He was with his wife [Hope] on holidays and spent time with the fans.
"We last spoke to him after the Pakistan match and he was in good spirits. He was not in ill health."
Dwyer explained that the Kerrs were staying at the Jamaica Sunset Grand Hotel in Ocho Rios, and that she summoned hotel staff in the middle of the night.
Kerr died en route to the hospital.
"He had a very big part in Irish cricket over the last six or seven years," Irish head coach Adrian Birrell said. "This is tragic news. Bob was a great ambassador for Irish cricket. He worked tirelessly."
Kerr was the chairman of the Irish Cricket Union from 2000 to 2002, and was president in 2004.
He also was an executive board member of the ICU and chairman of the North West Cricket Union.
Kerr held "almost every senior position in the land with distinction," said former ICU chairman Joe Doherty in a statement.
"His sudden passing will leave a big void in Irish cricket."
Former Irish Cricket Union president Robert Kerr died of a suspected heart attack Wednesday, the second fatality at the Cricket World Cup in Kingston, Jamaica. He was 68.
A cricket bounce from the World Cup -- Posted Saturday, April 14 2007
Jamaican PM is hoping for a cricket bounce from the World Cup
Apr 04, 2007 04:30 AM Marc Lacey
New York Times
KINGSTON, Jamaica–Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is not a member of the West Indies cricket team now competing in the World Cup. She neither bats nor bowls for the Windies.
But Simpson Miller, who doubles as Jamaica's sports minister, sure doesn't act that way sometimes. She recently donned cricket apparel, complete with shin protectors, gloves and a bat, for a newspaper advertisement promoting the tournament, which is being played in Jamaica and on eight other Caribbean islands.
Full article can be sourced from:-
http://www.thestar.com/arti