Sennik allegedly forced to step down. -- Posted Friday, May 29 2009
The Indo-asian News service claims that Ben Sennik has been forced to step down due to a non-confidence motion put forward. The article states
"After the dismissal of the CEO, a majority of the nine directors had sent him a letter in March, asking him to call 'a special general meeting' to face a no-confidence motion against him. But the president reportedly managed to stall the meeting, forcing the directors to again send him a letter May 25, demanding an immediate meeting to face the no-confidence motion.
With a majority of the directors arraigned against him, Sennik had few options, sources in Cricket Canada told IANS. Facing an imminent ouster, he announced he would step down next month."
Read the full article here
South Asian Focus also suggest that Sennick jumped before he was pushed r
"Bowing to the immense and sustained pressure from board directors even after seeking to avoid their no-confidence motion earlier, Sennik this week announced he was retiring effective Jun 30.
“The time has come to pass the responsibilities to other hands,” Sennik said, even as acknowledged this was not an easy decision for him.
The beleaguered Cricket Canada chief however said: "I believe Cricket Canada is now at an important crossroads. In the past five years we have revived the organization and we now stand on a firm financial footing.”
The field is now wide open for candidates to contest fresh election for the office of Cricket Canada President.
Calvin Clarke, General Secretary, is likely to announce the schedule to elect next president before the outgoing chief leaves June 30."
Sennik to stand down as Canada chief (CricInfo) -- Posted Thursday, May 28 2009
Ben Sennik has announced that he will stand down as president of Cricket Canada at the end of June after five years at the helm. His last role will be to attend the ICC's centenary celebrations in London.
"This was not an easy decision," said Sennick. "However, after reviewing what we have been able to jointly achieve, and recognizing what lies ahead for all of us on the cricket scene, I believe the time is now right for me to pass the responsibility as president to other hands."
"I believe Cricket Canada is now at an important crossroads. In the past five years we have revived the organization and we now stand on firm financial footing. We operate as a viable business and all financial undertakings are fully transparent. We have balanced our budget and creating a responsible economic environment to attract new partners and new opportunities."
"I fully appreciate the time and commitment that Ben Sennik has put into building the game in Canada," said Richard Done, the ICC's high performance manager. "Under his leadership Canada has developed from its voluntary base to start a new professional era both on and off the field. The national team has qualified for its third successive World Cup, the number of schools playing the game is growing, financially the sport is on a sound footing and Cricket Canada has again successfully hosted events involving a number of Full Members during 2008."
Canada Cricket Online comment
the timing of Ben Sennick's departure is odd - it would have made far more sense surely to allow his replacement to be elected at the Association's AGM. We can assume that the current 1st VP will step into his place without being elected.
Canadian coach talks to CricInfo -- Posted Tuesday, May 26 2009
Pubudu Dassanayake, coach of the Canadian national cricket team sat down with Faraz Sarwat in Toronto recently to talk about Canada’s performance at the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa, the controversial training trip to Sri Lanka that preceded the tournament and the 2011 World Cup itself.
"There was a lot of criticism that we shouldn’t have gone to Sri Lanka, but I think it was the main reason we did well in this tournament. Our players lived and breathed cricket in Sri Lanka and the people there gave them the respect of a national cricket team, whether they were at the hotel, at the ground or outside somewhere. This was new for our players. Our players didn’t know their value, but they got confidence by being treated so well and started to act like professional players too."
" We were left with eight of our fifteen and we didn’t want to spend money on sending players to Sri Lanka who would not be in our squad of fifteen. The youngsters who joined us in Sri Lanka paid their own way. Now, we knew that our players based overseas have played at the highest level, and they’ve been training on their own. Davison was going to open and the other three would be in the middle order. I had no choice but to expect them to score. My concern became the other guys, how I could get the best out of them, to support the core guys. I figured that if Sandeep Jyoti and the tail, Bhatti, Harvir Baidwan and Chohan can contribute something from the bottom, we’re going to be okay. So the eight players batted every day under Marvan’s supervision. Marvan also worked with the team on basic things like running between the wickets and calling, things that the guys were not up to the standard. We managed to improve those things in Sri Lanka. The bowlers got enough batting and improved tremendously."
"I expect one or two changes. In 2011, Davison will be over 40 year old, but he’s much fitter than many of the guys in the game. Players like Dhaniram and Billcliff certainly have the ability and playing the World Cup is in their hands. We have the luxury of two years to build up players, but it’s up to them if they want to play the World Cup, they’ll need to raise their fitness levels. I would like to go there with our fittest side and be one of the best fielding teams in the tournament. "
Full interview
Canada lose in Americas final (CricInfo) -- Posted Thursday, May 21 2009
ICC Americas Women's Twenty20 Championship
Argentina emerged as the surprise package in the 2nd ICC Americas Women's Championship in Florida, beating Bermuda and hosts USA, but it was the Trinidad and Tobago Development XI who won the Twenty20 phase of the competition with a 23-run victory over Canada in the final.
On a rain-hit last day, T&T made 111 for 2, and Canada had reached 31 for 2 in 10.4 overs when the weather, which included bouts of lightning, sent the players from the field.
A very young Argentina side, who had already disposed of Bermuda on the opening day, defeated USA by nine wickets with two balls to spare in the third/fourth-place play-off. Chasing the USA's 90 for 2, Argentina reached 34 for 1 when the threat of lightning halted play, It was calculated that under Duckworth-Lewis, that meant the game was tied. The players returned for two deliveries before again being forced off, and again the D-l calculation showed the teams tied. They managed to get back for two more overs, and Argentina scored the 12 needed to win.
The fifth/sixth-place play-off between Bermuda and Brazil was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
ICC Americas Womens Championship - Day 1 (Cricket Canada) -- Posted Wednesday, May 20 2009
Argentina provided the fireworks on an entertaining first day of the second ICC Americas Women's Championship in Florida, USA - first with a gutsy performance against defending champions Canada, and then overwhelming Bermuda in stunning fashion to win by eight wickets. The other major highlight of the T20 competition was the debut of a spirited Brazilian team.
But it was Argentina which definitely grabbed the headlines of the day. In its opening match against Canada, Argentina was asked to bat first, and it compiled a respectable 76-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opening batter Dirce Yuli top-scored with 23 runs, while captain Catalina Greloni weighed in with 17 not out. Pick of the bowlers for Canada was captain and all-rounder Joanna White, who took 2-9 in her four overs.
Canada eventually reached the target of 77 runs for the loss of only two wickets, but it took them 17.1 overs, and were it not for some uncharacteristic fielding lapses, Argentina might have pushed the run chase a little harder in the end. However, the performance of the South Americans had captured everyone's attention, and in its second game against Bermuda, the team gave everyone even more to talk about.
The big game of Day Two is now undoubtedly the clash between Canada and Bermuda, as the loser faces the prospect of not qualifying for the Division 1 40-over event later in the week for the title of ICC Americas Women's Championship, as well as the opportunity to perhaps qualify for the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers.
A Canada win will eliminate Bermuda, while a Bermudan victory will leave all three teams in the group (including Argentina) on one win apiece, which will then require a net run rate separation. In the other morning game, USA will take on Trinidad & Tobago to see who advances to the T20 final later in the day.
Canada Women determined to retain the trophy (ICC) -- Posted Wednesday, May 20 2009
Interview with Canada Women’s captain, Joanna White
How has the team prepared for the event?
Our players have been working on their fitness and indoor drills over winter. We took a full squad of players on a 10-day tour to Trinidad in April 2009 and played three games there as part of our pre-tournament preparations.
Who are your key players in the team?
Cricket is a team game and I truly believe that every single member of our squad has a critical role to play in a successful tournament. We are hoping for good performances from senior players such as Mona Persaud (all rounder), Kim Coulter (batter), Desh Yahathugoda (bowler) and Meara Crawford (bowler) to bring out the best of the team’s new talent.
What are your expectations for the tournament?
I expect the team to give its very best in every single game in the tournament and represent Canada with pride and passion. It is our goal to retain the America’s Championship Title and be able to compete for the America region’s place in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
How popular is women’s cricket in your country?
Women’s cricket is still a developing sport in Canada. However, we have definitely seen a growth in the number of people expressing an interest in the game. We are continuing to try to promote cricket to the younger generation in schools.
What challenges do you face in the growth of the game?
The biggest challenge that we face in Canada as a national team is our geography. As a result of the size of the country, it is difficult for us to facilitate training all together. Also, there are many other prominent sports that dominate the sports scene in Canada in the summer months. Recruiting players from other sports can be a challenge.
Do you dream of playing in the ICC Women’s World Cup?
I believe that anyone who is passionate about or has played any kind of competitive sport has dreamed of playing in the pinnacle event for their chosen game. The ICC Women’s World Cup is the most prestigious tournament and represents the highest level of competition in women’s cricket so it would most definitely be a dream come true to be playing in that kind of arena.
You had won the ICC Americas Women’s Championship in 2007. Are you confident of repeating your success in this event?
Absolutely, we have a talented bunch of players that are determined to do their very best in the tournament and I believe that we have the ability to bring the trophy back to Canada. Can’t wait for it to start!
Canada to host U-19 WC qualifier, 2020WC qualifier in UAE -- Posted Wednesday, May 20 2009
ICC release
Host and USA to join the top six Associate and Affiliate teams in race for two places at the main event in the Caribbean
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat: “I’m thrilled by the ICC Development Committee’s innovative approach”
“The tournament will be a great chance for the UAE to showcase its cricket facilities and generate interest in our great sport”
“A wonderful opportunity for the USA to move towards a brighter future and exploit its potential”
“With its player base, development potential and cricket broadcast interest, now backed with a new professional administration set-up, the USA has obvious potential and a top-two finish will see it qualify for the main event in its own region”
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been invited to host the ICC World Twenty20 2010 Qualifier later this year.
The event, which is currently scheduled to take place in late October, will also be expanded from its previous staging, in Ireland in 2008.
In addition to featuring the six Associate and Affiliate teams with ODI status – Ireland, Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and Scotland – it will also include the host team and the United States of America (USA).
The top two sides from the tournament will go forward to join the 10 ICC Full Members in next year’s main event, set to take place in the West Indies in April and May at three locations – Barbados, Guyana and St Lucia.
These decisions were made by the ICC Development Committee, which has been meeting this week in Dubai.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “I am thrilled that the ICC Development Committee has again taken an expansive and innovative approach to promoting our great sport by inviting the UAE and USA to join the top six Associate and Affiliate teams at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier later this year.
“It follows on from its previous decision that the ICC Intercontinental Cup will expand to two divisions in 2009-10 with the addition of two more Associate teams and the possibility of including a team from Zimbabwe.
“The committee has given the chance for the top six Associate and Affiliate teams to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20, something they had the chance to do in the equivalent event in Ireland last year, while, at the same time, creating two additional invitational slots for this event.
“The concept of invitations is common in some other sports and, in this instance, it fits the bill perfectly.
“For the UAE, ranked seventh in the list of Associate and Affiliate one-day teams, hosting and taking part in the qualifier will be a great chance to showcase its excellent cricket facilities and to generate additional interest in the game within the country.
“And for the USA the tournament represents a wonderful opportunity to move towards a brighter future and exploit its potential after a period on the fringes following previous suspensions and demotions because of administrative issues.
“The ICC has strategic plans to target and strengthen the game in potential growth markets and the USA, with its player base, development potential and cricket broadcast interest, now backed with a new professional administration set-up, has obvious potential in all these areas.
“The team is currently in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 5 but the players showed their abilities in winning last November’s ICC Americas Championship, finishing ahead of Canada and Bermuda in the process.
“Twenty20 is the perfect vehicle for cricket to excite the USA and the carrot for its players and administrators is that a top-two finish will earn it a place in the main event which is to be held in its own region.
“We trust the Emirates Cricket Board and the United States of America Cricket Association will embrace this opportunity and will prepare squads of the highest standard.
“And we are sure Ireland, Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and Scotland will all be up for the challenge, in what we believe will be a great event.”
The ICC Development Committee also decided on the following locations for other upcoming events:
• The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 5 (due to take place in January 2010) will be held in Nepal.
• The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 4 (due to take place in June 2010) will be held in Italy.
• Canada will host the ICC U/19 CWC Global Qualifier in September 2009, which will see 10 Associate and Affiliate teams (two from each of the ICC’s five regions) battle for five places in the ICC U/19 CWC 2010.
The binding decisions of the ICC Development Committee in relation to these events are all subject to the finalisation of logistical and budgetary arrangements with the prospective hosts.
2009-10 Intercontinental Cup expanded to two divisions -- Posted Tuesday, May 19 2009
ICC Media Release
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:06:57 AM
Team from Zimbabwe to take part, subject to its agreement with the ICC
Prize money on offer for the first time, total of US$250,000 at stake
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat: “I’m delighted the Development Committee has been so positive and expansive in its approach to the ICC Intercontinental Cup”
The 2009-10 edition of the ICC Intercontinental Cup will be expanded to two divisions and include as many as 11 teams, it was announced today.
The multi-day tournament that features the leading Associate teams will also see prize money awarded for the first time.
These decisions were made by the ICC Development Committee, which has been meeting this week in Dubai.
The line-ups for the fifth staging of the event that began in 2004 will see Ireland, Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and Scotland – the six Associates with ODI status – in the top division in the battle for the ICC Intercontinental Cup.
A team from Zimbabwe will line up alongside them, subject to agreement between Zimbabwe Cricket and the ICC. This follows on from a recommendation made by the task team set up to examine cricket in Zimbabwe that reported to the ICC Board in April.
The United Arab Emirates, Namibia, Bermuda and Uganda – the four other Associate teams that are part of the Gatorade ICC High Performance Programme – will play each other for the ICC Intercontinental Shield.
For Afghanistan and Uganda it will be their first exposure to multi-day action after impressing in the one-day format.
There will be a total of US$250,000 in prize money for the Associate teams with US$100,000 for the winners of the ICC Intercontinental Cup and US$40,000 for the runners-up.
The winners of the ICC Intercontinental Shield will collect US$25,000 with the runners-up pocketing US$10,000 and matches in both divisions will have the prize of US$3,000 for an outright win.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “I’m delighted the Development Committee has been so positive and expansive in its approach to the ICC Intercontinental Cup, the flagship multi-day event for teams below Test level.
“This new format will allow the top six Associate teams to maintain a high standard of even competitiveness.
“And by creating an additional division we have been able to offer all our Gatorade ICC High Performance Programme countries multi-day cricket which helps them develop the skills needed to perform at a higher level.
“Following the task team recommendations, we are in discussions with Zimbabwe Cricket for it to field a team in the competition and if it does so then I believe that will benefit all concerned.
“It will see the top six Associate teams come up against good quality, professional opposition and provide the Zimbabwean players with additional opportunities to play multi-day cricket, something essential for them to chart a course back to the Test arena.
“I am also delighted that, for the first time, the event has prize money for the Associate teams. It will assist in their ongoing process to professionalise their operations and that, in turn, will help them continue to raise their playing standards.”
The 2009-10 ICC Intercontinental Cup and ICC Intercontinental Shield will not feature promotion and relegation.
Fixtures for the tournament will be announced in due course.
Ireland is the defending champions having won the previous three editions of the ICC Intercontinental Cup, in 2005, 2007 and 2009. The other team to have lifted the trophy was Scotland, which won the inaugural event in 2004.
All 10 Associate teams set to take part in the ICC Intercontinental Cup and ICC Intercontinental Shield form part of the Gatorade ICC High Performance Programme (HPP).
The HPP was launched in 2001 to assist the leading Associate Member countries prepare for the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. The Programme played a similar role in assisting the six Associate qualifiers in the lead-up to the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, and there are now 10 HPP countries.
The ICC High Performance Manager, Richard Done, assists the HPP countries to produce their own high performance programmes, player development pathways and administrative structures, all of which are directed at improving the on-field performances of their national teams at senior and junior levels.
The HPP countries also receive an annual grant of US$350,000 from the ICC to assist in the implementation of these plans.
Lynx cricket crew crowned Peel champions ( Mississauga News) -- Posted Saturday, May 16 2009
By: Joe Chin
May 14, 2009 09:59 PM - It’s as improbable as Canada, overnight, becoming a world cricket power.
Yet that's what the Stephen Lewis Lynx cricket program has achieved.
In only its second year of Peel high school competition, the senior boys’ tier 1 team have been crowned champions after beating Brampton’s St. Augustine in today's final at The Woodlands Secondary School.
In an exciting match, the Lynx were down five points before tying it up 49-49. The tie-break was awarded to Stephen Lewis.
The Lynx senior boys have been the class of the South Division, going 6-0-1.
Their head coach Jesse Sturgeon attributes their points to superlative bowling and strong opening batting as the Lynx’s strength. Led by captain and all-rounder Ammar Hakim, the bowlers held the opposition to 331 runs, while their batsmen, anchored by openers Usama Ahmed and Qazah Shehzad, put up 421 in reply.
Still, the Lynx had a close call early on in quarter-final play against Lincoln Alexander, the final score was 64-64, and a tie-breaker was needed before Stephen Lewis was declared the winner.
In the semi-finals, the Lynx squeaked by T.L. Kennedy 54-51. In that match, Stephen Lewis stared at defeat when it lost three wickets in only three overs for a paltry 13 runs. Only a determined stand by Shehzad, who scored 17, aided by Khurram Masud later in the game, prevented the Churchill Meadows school from going down to defeat.
The Lynx now advance to play the Toronto champions next Tuesday at Humber College.
New season of RBC cricket grants -- Posted Saturday, May 16 2009
RBC has begun accepting grant applications for the 2009 RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund.
The fund is an extension of the already successful RBC Wicket Cricket Program for schools and expands RBC's support of the game into communities across Canada.
"The RBC Wicket Cricket programs aim to encourage young people and local communities to participate in the sport, which for many Canadians, is a cherished tradition," said Andrea Metrick, head of Client Strategy and Multicultural Markets at RBC.
"We are absolutely delighted with the response we have had in the first year and look forward to awarding grants to more community clubs and associations this year."
Community organizations may be eligible for an RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund grant if they provide a safe and welcoming environment for cricket; build awareness for the sport within their community; show strong community management with solid participation; and/or, demonstrate innovation in program delivery.
Grants range from $500 to $1,000 each, up to a total of $50,000.
Funding will be based on budget and need, with preference given to programs or projects that are at the grassroots level, focus on young people 4-17 years of age, have the potential to improve the game in their communities, and show evidence of long-term sustainability. New grant applications will be given priority over previous years' recipients.
Grant applications will be accepted until June 29, 2009.
For more information about the RBC Cricket Community Fund, a list of the 2008 recipients, or to apply for a grant, visit www.rbc.com/cricket
Canadian women at America Championship (CricInfo) -- Posted Saturday, May 16 2009
USA to feature in ICC Americas women's championship
Cricinfo staff
May 16, 2009
The ICC Americas women's championship will be played in Florida starting May 18 and will feature the four teams from last year's inaugural tournament - Argentina, Brazil, defending champions Canada, Bermuda - as well as USA and a development squad from Trinidad & Tobago.
The teams will be divided into groups and play Twenty20s over the first two days and 40-over games after that. The top two teams from the 40-over games will advance to a three-day series to be played in 2010. The winner of that series will advance to the global qualifier. The team sent by T&T, to increase the level of competition in the tournament, will not be eligible for the qualifiers.
Catalina Greloni, the Argentina captain, was optimistic of her side's chances though she acknowledged Canada and Bermuda were much stronger. "We have a young team and yet we have time to go on working together and who knows, maybe in a couple of years we will be nearer the top level of the region," Greloni told the ICC website. "Individually, all the teams have improved their skills and techniques in this last two years but maybe what we are lacking are more games to play. That is something very important as we also need to grow as a team."
She said the tournament allowed players to compete for a spot in the Americas team and play alongside elite players. "America is the largest region and I think that the one that has the largest difference in cricket levels. You can see teams like West Indies who are playing first level cricket against teams like England or New Zealand and at the same time, teams like Chile or Brazil who are starting to compete internationally in South America."
Greloni said her dream was to take Argentina to the World Cup.
Canadian squad
Joanna White (captain)
Mona Persaud
Helene Gaffney
Maree Wilson
Vadeo Sproxton
Meara Crawford
Mikaela Turik
Kim Coulter
Sheryl Tittlemier
Deshanee Yahathugoda
Monali Patel
Santhiya Rajaram
Rachel Porteous
Isabel Mengual
Coach - George Codrington
Manager - Shelly Fathers
Ugandans Kamyuka, Olweny playing for Brampton (News Vision) -- Posted Saturday, May 16 2009
By Norman Katende
JOEL Olweny and Kenneth Kamyuka left last night for a six-month semi- professional cricket stint with Canadian club Brampton.
Kamyuka has already played in Canada, while both have had stints in South Africa.
“This outing will help them build on their techniques as we prepare for the Intercontinental Cup,” said Martin Ondeko, the cricket association’s administrative secretary.
Former national skipper Olweny, Kamyuka and Frank Nsubuga in a semi professional stint in South Africa five months back.
National team bowler Charles Waiswa is also expected to head back to the United Kingdom for another semi professional stint. It is yet to be confirmed which club he will be playing for.
“So far those are the only three cricketers in line for a professional game,” said Ondeko.
Canada supports Zimabwe inclusion into Intercontinental Cup (CricInfo) -- Posted Tuesday, May 12 2009
May 12, 2009
The chief executives of Ireland, Scotland and Canada have reacted encouragingly to reports that Zimbabwe could take part in the 2009-10 Intercontinental Cup.
Although the tournament is meant for leading Associates, the ICC has approached Zimbabwe Cricket with a proposal it enters a team as part of its schedule to regain Test status. The four-day first-class matches would give the young and inexperienced Zimbabwe side a chance to take on teams such as Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland, as well as newcomers Afghanistan.
"Playing against Zimbabwe is precisely where Ireland would wish to be," Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland's chief executive, told Cricinfo. "Having just completed the 'Associate Treble' of global titles in all three of the game's formats in the last nine months, we now need to benchmark our progress against teams above us, in all three formats of the game. Bearing in mind we are unbeaten in four-day cricket since 2004 and have won the last three Intercontinental Cups, it is high time that we are given the opportunity to test ourselves against those ranked above us in the Test world."
That view was endorsed by Roddy Smith, Cricket Scotland's chief executive. "I think the move … has to be a positive. It will give the Associates a chance to play a Full Member whilst giving Zimbabwe competitive cricket. It will also give an ideal opportunity over all the games to see the relative strengths of the Associates against them."
Ben Sennik, chief executive of Cricket Canada, was also in agreement. "It can only help to develop the playing standard of the leading Associate countries to have fixtures against countries such as Zimbabwe," he said. "As you probably know, we played them in a 20/20 as recently as last October in Toronto, with one of the games ending in a tie.
"Exposure to higher quality opposition is critical for the development of Associates cricket, and I would even go so far as to suggest that the inclusion of the A teams from Test nations in this type of competition could also prove beneficial."
Full Article
CIMA Canada offers Cricket Across the Pond programme for 2009 -- Posted Monday, May 11 2009
In partnership with RBC and Parks, Forestry & Recreation Toronto, CIMA
Canada is offering Cricket Across The Pond, UK cricket training program for
the second year in August 2009. Selected cricketers will represent CIMA
Toronto Mayor's team in UK. We would appreciate if you could arrange to have
a news item on Canadacricket.com
Interested cricketers can register by following the link below.
Registration
Information on 2008 CIMA Toronto Mayor's Team
16 teams set for Manitoba league (MCA) -- Posted Friday, May 8 2009
Sixteen teams were represented at the Second League Competition Meeting held at Burton Cummings Community Centre on April 18. Excitement among the teams is running high and the competitive spirit is beginning to show. As the indoor season winds down there's impatience to get outside.
Eight teams - [Bloomfield, All India, India XI, Cosmos, Patriots, Lions, Pakistan XI and WJCC] - will vie for honors in the A Division and six - [Cosmos Lancers, Bharat, MCA Under 19, Seahawks, Lions 2, and Kingz XI] - will do battle in the B Division. The recreational teams - Taverners and Phoenix - are expected to provide good opposition to teams from both divisions on Wednesdays.
Plans are underway to make better use of the Waverley Community Centre facility and the regional facilities at Gimli and Virden.
The date for the season opener is expected to be May 16.
Cricket game to honour slain Mississauga teen -- Posted Friday, May 8 2009
By: Louie Rosella - Mississauga News
May 6, 2009 06:59 PM - Brandon Paltooram lived for the game of cricket, but he died far too early.
His friends and teammates however, will be keeping his spirit alive May 9 when they hold a memorial cricket game for the slain 19-year-old graduate of St. Joseph Secondary School.
The exhibition game between players of the GT Sports team of the Etobicoke District Cricket League, will be held at Dixie Sandalwood Park in Brampton at 11 a.m.
"Brandon has played on our team for such a long time," said senior player Jerome Dwight. "The whole team took his death hard."
Paltooram was knifed in the early morning hours of Oct. 11, 2008 outside a house party on Rosewater Court, near Eglinton Ave. W. and Mavis Rd.
Paltooram was coming to the aid of his girlfriend, who was being assaulted by a group of individuals, when he was fatally wounded, police said.
A 20-year-old Toronto man was also stabbed in the altercation, but survived and is co-operating with police.
Paltooram, a St. Joseph Secondary School graduate and in his second year at the University of Guelph-Humber, was studying business to become a chartered accountant. He was an avid cricket player, according to his father, Shawn Paltooram.
Two Mississauga boys, aged 17 and 15, were initially accused of manslaughter in the death, but those charges have since been withdrawn.
This leaves just one teen, aged 16, before the courts on a second degree murder charge in the case. None of the teens can be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
A new cricket field for Rexdale? -- Posted Friday, May 8 2009
Cash for cricket grounds
Rexdale community needs funds before getting official go ahead
ROBYN YOUNG
FOR METRO TORONTO
Surrounded by strip malls, the 401 and towering apartment buildings, there’s not much space to play in north Etobicoke.
The community, also known as Rexdale, or Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown, is one of Toronto’s most diverse with a high number of immigrants hailing from India, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.
And the population struggles with socio-economic issues related to poverty, unemployment, affordable housing and education; in 2006 it was named one of Toronto’s 13 priority neighbourhoods in desperate need of additional resources.
So when a plan was proposed, to create a community cricket ground, Akash Shah got involved.
Shah, who was a member of the Mayor’s XI cricket team, which travelled to Surrey, England, last August to play at the Chessington Cricket Club, has played the sport since he was a youngster in India and says a cricket ground would be invaluable for his community.
“It would be fantastic, right here in this area, it’s so diverse,” said the well-spoken Grade 11 student. “There are so many people playing cricket here and I think this region has the most cricket teams.”
The local high school, North Albion Collegiate, has five cricket teams alone and there are numerous outside clubs dedicated to the sport.
In collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Society, the City of Toronto and Ward 1 Coun. Suzan Hall have already targeted 3.7 acres of land north of Kipling and Steeles for the field in Thackeray Park.
The city has committed $250,000 for the field, but the community needs to raise an additional $250,000 before it gets the official go ahead.
“What we really need are some substantial donors,” Hall said.
Ontario Cricket has pledged $10,000, the group’s largest contribution thus far.
Ranil Mendis of CIMA Canada (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), has been the lead in developing the Mayor’s Trophy for cricket in Toronto and the Toronto Mayor’s XI-UK Tour. He says cricket facilities across the city are “sadly lacking” and a new field in Thackeray Park would be great for community.
“It can target of group of youths passionate about cricket,” he said. “Encourage them to do better things with their time.”
Pastor Evon Nunes of the Triumphant Church of Jesus Christ and his congregation will hold a gospel concert to fundraise for the field June 6 at the Humberwood Community Centre.
“If we get this cricket ground going, I think it’s going to be a good thing for the Etobicoke community,” Nunes said. “To try to get some of the youth off the street and to train them.”
For more information on the Community Cricket Grounds Fundraiser, visit www.torontoparksandtrees.org/cricket.htm or call the Toronto Office of Partnership at 416-392-6123
Logie steps down as Bermuda coach - return to Canada? (Royal Gazette) -- Posted Thursday, May 7 2009
Logie's departure signals end of era
By Josh Ball
Bermuda cricket coach Gus Logie has announced he will step down in September when his current contract with the Bermuda Cricket Board expires.
And United Arab Emirates coach Colin Wells has emerged as an early candidate to replace him.
Logie meanwhile is rumoured to be mulling over an offer to return to work with Canada in a consultation role.
The former West Indies international began his coaching career in North America, but his first stint with the country ended acrimoniously when he was sacked in 2003.
"I would like to thank the Bermuda Cricket Board Executives and staff, the Bermuda Government, players and the Bermuda community for their support and encouragement over the past four years," said Logie
"I have enjoyed my time here and wish Bermuda all the best for the future."
Logie may well have jumped before he was pushed, following Bermuda's miserable showing at the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa last month.
And while some former players may have been dissatisfied with recent team performances, the BCB seem genuinely disappointed that Logie is leaving.
"The Board is naturally disappointed Gus has decided to move on," said BCB president Reginald Pearman.
"He is a thorough professional and an ideal role model for all our players. He is truly a world-class coach who has accomplished a lot for cricket in Bermuda.
"We wish Gus and his family continued success in their endeavors and hope that they will always call Bermuda their second home.
"I recognise that the Board will have to undergo an extensive search to find a coach of his calibre and exemplary character."
Wells, whose UAE side beat Bermuda on their way to the Super 8 stage of the World Cup qualifiers in South Africa last month, is understood to have sounded out several members of the BCB about the role during the tournament.
The former Sussex and Derbyshire allrounder only joined UAE in January on a temporary deal that ended after the World Cup qualifiers, a fact Emirates Cricket Board secretary, Mazhar Khan, was at pains to point out at the time.
As well as playing for Sussex and Derbyshire, Wells had a brief stint in the England one-day side, and also played cricket in South Africa for Western Province and Border.
There is unlikely to be a shortage of candidates, however two other names certain to be linked with the job are those of David Hemp, and former seam bowler Clarence Parfitt.
However, the Board are likely to want someone with slightly more international coaching experience.
And for his part, Hemp, who has been consistently seen as a future coach, seems to feel that his immediate future lies on the field, rather than off it.
"I said at the end of the qualifiers that I still felt I had something to contribute and I would still like to carry on playing if I could," said Hemp. "But, if you asked me now, then yes, of course I would be interested (in coaching Bermuda).
"However, I haven't really given it too much thought because, I still want to carry on playing, and I'm wrapped up with coaching at the school [in England] at the moment anyway."
For Hemp, Logie's departure, while understandable is still disappointing.
"I've got a good relationship with Gus and certainly enjoyed working with him over the last few years," said Hemp. "Obviously it's sad when someone like that, who's respected in the game, (stands down).
"I'm very fond of him, and have enjoyed working with him, and from my point of view it's very disappointing that he has decided to call it a day and to move on.
"And I think the other players would feel the same way.
"As a coach there is a shelf life, if you like, and he probably felt that he had come to the end of the term, and maybe he feels that there needs to be a change.
"Obviously if we had qualified he might have stuck around for a couple of years, but it's his decision and I'm sure it's one he wouldn't have taken lightly. He's not that sort of individual.
"I'm obviously sorry to hear that he has decided to move on."
Logie's reign has ended on a low note.
Bermuda's ninth place finish at the World Cup qualifiers not only cost them a spot at the 2011 World Cup, but they also lost their One-Day International status and were relegated to Division Two of the World Cricket League.
It is in stark contrast to the start of Logie's tenure, when, in 2005, he became the first coach to take Bermuda to a World Cup, when they qualified for the 2007 tournament.
He also led Bermuda to the 2005 semifinals of the Intercontinental Cup and saw them win their first One Day International in 2006, the same year they won the Americas Regional 50 Overs Championship.
And only last year, they won their first ever ODI series against Canada.
Ajax youth starts school league, earns scholarship -- Posted Thursday, May 7 2009
Today, at an awards ceremony in Ottawa, 20 of Canada's brightest and most committed students were awarded the TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership. The $70,000 scholarship covers post-secondary tuition and living expenses, and offers summer employment for the next four years so that Canada's all-star team of students can focus on their studies and not worry about their finances.
The scholarship is one of Canada's most prestigious and celebrates community leadership both in and out of the classroom.
Organizing activities to bridge the social gap for new immigrants, developing an eco-friendly passive solar panel tracking system and preserving the Latino culture in the far north are just a few of the accomplishments of this year's TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership recipients who were selected by a panel of prominent Canadian Senators, business professionals and past award recipients.
"This year's 20 winners are inspirational examples of the true potential and passion of young Canadians. By easing the costs associated with heading off to university or college, TD is helping these individuals have the financial support they need to stay focused on achieving their goals and dreams of being tomorrow's community leaders - across Canada and globally," said Tim Hockey, Group Head Canadian Banking and President and CEO, TD Canada Trust. "TD's scholarship program continues to be one of the country's most coveted awards. And when most funding has seen cut backs given the current environment, TD has actually increased our support of Canadian youth by awarding an additional $10,000 per scholarship recipient, making each scholarship worth $70,000."
TD Canada Trust will provide more than $1 million to its current scholarship recipients, part of its commitment to youth education that will total more than $2.6 million in 2009.
"Helping new immigrants adjust to their new lives in Canada brings me tremendous feelings of satisfaction," said Humza Nusrat, 2009 scholarship recipient. "As the son of immigrant parents, I have grown-up with an appreciation for the fact that Canada is a place of opportunity and I want to expose others to this. Receiving a scholarship from TD will allow me to experience opportunity in a different way while still making a difference in my community."
Humza Nusrat of Ajax, ON, created an intramural cricket league at his high school to help integrate isolated, young immigrants into the school community. Interested in human rights, he also founded an Amnesty International youth group and also started his own snow-shovelling business to support his family through difficult financial times.
Vancouver park saved for cricket -- Posted Thursday, May 7 2009
"West Vancouver Cricket Club would like to express our gratitude to all those in the cricket fraternity of British Columbia who have rallied around our Club, and who have given us their support in our efforts to preserve the premier field at Hugo Ray Park for the playing of our beloved game. Recent developments have moved in our favour. West Vancouver Municipality passed several resolutions on April 6, 2009. Related to the proposed Hugo Ray Park Artificial Turf Project, Council resolved to not proceed with the project . We trust that Cricket will continue to grow and develop at Hugo Ray Park for many years to come. Again, thank you all for your support.
Jim Richards, President
West Vancouver C.C."
The future of cricket in Canada- 1994 -- Posted Wednesday, May 6 2009
The CBC archives have a fascinating clip of cricket in Canada in 1994- featuring Paul Prashad. They describe it as follows:_
"Does cricket have a future in Canada?
Broadcast Date: Aug. 23, 1994
It's wildly popular in India, Pakistan, England, Australia and the West Indies. But in Canada, the sport of cricket may be on shaky ground. Paul Prashad, who moved to Canada from Guyana as a teen, is now Canada's top-ranked player. He loves cricket. It's something he was brought up with, just like many Canadian kids are brought up to love hockey. "It's part of our culture," he explains. But in this 1994 CBC-TV clip, Prashad wonders what the future holds for cricket in Canada."
View the clip here
Canada should be proud of its cricketers – Sennik (Share) -- Posted Tuesday, May 5 2009
By RON FANFAIR
Cricket Canada's President, Ben Sennik, says the entire country should be proud of the national team's performance.
The majority of the squad returned from South Africa last Wednesday where Canada finished in second place, two points behind Ireland in the 12-team World Cup qualifying tournament and, along with Kenya and The Netherlands, booked a spot in the game's 50-overs quadrennial tournament.
"We are very happy with the way the guys performed even though they did not finish strong," said Sennik. "I firmly believe that the intensive pre-tournament camp in Sri Lanka helped the lads and that was a good investment by us."
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The organization's executive will meet this weekend to start plotting a course for the next World Cup to be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2011.
"We are having our monthly meeting on Saturday and I can assure you that we will discuss what we need to do to help the team prepare for 2011," added Sennik.
The national side will make its fourth appearance in the World Cup and its third straight having participated in 2003 and 2007 in South Africa and the West Indies respectively. Canada made its World Cup debut in 1979 in England.
Sennik promised that the team's achievement will be celebrated.
"We will sit down in the next few weeks to decide how we can show our appreciation to the squad," he said. "Right now, I would say that it could take the form of a dinner, but there has to be consensus among the executive body. Regardless, we will pay tribute to the players for achieving the target of getting to the World Cup again.
"We should also not forget the contributions that the overseas-based players made. The team has made us very proud and we all should celebrate the accomplishment..."
The overseas-based players were pivotal to Canada's success. Australian-based left-handed opener, Geoff Barnett, was Canada's leading run producer with 351 runs (av. 39) while all-rounder, John Davison, who missed the last five games because of a leg injury, joined Barnett and Canadian-based Sunil Dhaniram as the team's century makers.
New Zealand-based Ian Billcliff recorded a match-winning innings of 96 not out against Afghanistan while batting with a fractured index finger and England-based wicketkeeper/batsman, Ashish Bagai, who captained the team, collected 18 catches behind the stumps which was second behind Dutchman Jeroen Smits, who took 19. Bagai also scored an unbeaten 40 and 68 in Canada's Super Eight wins against Kenya and Afghanistan respectively.
Dhaniram will be 42 years old and Davison close 41 by the time the 2011 World Cup starts while Billcliff will be 38.
"These players are getting up there in age, but they seem to be getting better as they grow older," said Sennik. "They stood out and it's my hope that they can play at this level for at least two more years. At the same time, we understand that we have to start looking for capable young players to replace the veterans when they step away from the scene."
>Full story
Cricket Canada seeking to unite team at AGM (Share) -- Posted Tuesday, May 5 2009
By RON FANFAIR
Less than a month after Cricket Canada's first vice-president, Mohan (Mike) Kendall, quit his post questioning the leadership of the organization's president, Banwarilal "Ben" Sennik, and claiming there was substantial difference of opinion on important policy matters, the sport's governing body executive convenes at its annual general meeting in Markham this weekend seeking to re-establish a unified platform to advance the game.
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Sennik said the search for a new CEO elicited a strong response and he expects the successful candidate to be appointed by May 1.
"We had 63 applicants from inside and outside Canada by the deadline on March 13," he said. "This time, however, we are going to do things different in that we will get a consulting firm that specializes in hiring to choose the individual for us."
>Full story
Dartmouth’s Deonarine plays key role on national, provincial scene (Halifax Chronicle Herald) -- Posted Friday, May 1 2009
By WILLY PALOV Sports Reporter
Bhan Deonarine may be a year away from turning 80 but he’s as active as ever in the cricket community.
The Dartmouth resident is in his eighth year on the Canadian national cricket team selection committee, fourth as the chairman. He recently oversaw the selection process for the Canadian team that finished second at the World Cup qualifying tournament in South Africa. The result earned Canada a spot at the 2011 Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
"It was a big job for us to select the team for the qualifier," Deonarine said. "We worked all year round. We looked at the players, we looked at the stats and everything else that goes into a selection process. But because we worked hard on that, we feel like we picked the right team because we qualified. We got the results we wanted."
But clearing that hurdle doesn’t mean Deonarine’s work is done as chairman of the committee. He was recently re-elected to his position and said the committee will have to get right back to work in preparation for the World Cup.
"The World Cup is not until 2011 so some players might not be able to play and some of the older players might be (pushed out by younger players)," he said. "We are looking at a young generation coming up and we already have a number of them lined up. We will look at them over the next year or two.
"We have a few trials this summer for the elite players and we will be looking at the players there. We hope to narrow our list down to about 30 players after that and then before the World Cup is here, we will have our list narrowed down to 20. Once we have that list of 20 we will be able to select our squad."
Incredibly, Deonarine has risen to one of the highest positions on the national cricket body’s food chain while living in a region where the sport only enjoys modest popularity. Deonarine, a Trinidad native who moved to Nova Scotia 39 years ago, said it was his passion from days playing in his native country that kept him from giving cricket up. That enthusiasm eventually earned him recognition on a national level.
"I am not boasting, but I am responsible for a lot of what’s happened with cricket here in Halifax-Dartmouth," he said. "I have also been a board member of the Canadian Cricket Association, which is now called Cricket Canada, for a number of years. So I’ve been with the board a long time and I think my experience with cricket in the Maritimes, they recognized that work and decided I was the best person for that position."
But there’s no denying that the logistics of running a cross-country selection committee for an under-funded sport like cricket can be challenging, especially considering how far removed Deonarine is from the bulk of the top players in the nation. There were no Nova Scotians on the World Cup qualifying team.
"We would like to travel to everything to watch the players, but some of the games are in Ireland or in the West Indies, Scotland, Kenya and other places that are far away. We don’t have the money to travel all the time," said Deonarine, president of the Nova Scotia Cricket Association. "We get reports all the time from the manager and the coaches that are with the team on tour. We review those reports and that’s how we get our updates.
"We also have selectors across the country representing different provinces and different areas of Canada. Those are the selectors on our panel and they report to us what they have seen about the players they are recommending. We put everything from all the provinces together and then we work with that. We plan this year, if we have the money, to send selectors on tour with the team. They will be able to see them more first-hand."
But despite the obstacles involved with his work as chairman, Deonarine doesn’t foresee himself slowing down any time soon. He even kids that he tries to keep his age a secret because he doesn’t want anyone to get the idea his energy and passion for the sport are waning.
"I try to hide it but I’m 79," he said with a laugh. "And I still play cricket. Back in 1995, we went to B.C. and I was 65 years old at that time. Our pitchers got injured so we didn’t have anybody left to pitch. I was a manager/player so they asked me to play so at 65 I was playing, representing my province. I did well in the competition and they gave me a special trophy at the end of it. I still move around. It’s not that I cannot run or anything, but my eyes are not like they used to be. I used to see the ball better."