This is the third in a series of interviews between canadacricket.com and the Selection Committee of the CCA.

Colin Mohammed
Senior Correspondent

Part III: Q & A : Mr. Arvind Patel Quebec/Maritimes Representative

Q: Mr. Patel, how does one become a selector within the CCA?
A: No response

Q: In terms of qualifications, do you possess any first class experience that would give you a distinct advantage as a selector?
A: Yes, I have played first class in Bombay and I was appointed coach to the Lombard World Cup, 1996, UK. I also have Level 3 technical/Practical coaching with the CCA as well as Level 2 Theory (sports psychology).

Q: What problems are you seeing with the current selection model?
A: Firstly we have only had 1 meeting before the tournament in Namibia and Argentina primarily because of geography. Canada is such a large country that it is somewhat difficult to have regular meetings. In addition to that, the 3-day preparation camp is by no means a proper training session to prepare for the World Cup. It takes a minimum of 3 weeks consistent practice in order to formulate a strong playing structure.

Q: In terms of preparation, do you see the provinces fairly balanced for national selection?
A: Well, because of better facilities and immigration trends in Ontario and BC you would see a heavier weighting and higher caliber players from those provinces

Q: Mr. Patel, I have information that there is a very strong junior and u-25 programme in the prairies, can you comment on that?
A: I agree that Alberta/Manitoba have very strong junior programmes and there are certainly high caliber juniors in the prairies, however, the programme seems to fall apart at the senior level.

Q: The accepted practice in the Test playing nations is to select players based on a state or provincial level tournament. Canada selects on club performances, can you please comment on that?
A: Well, there used to be an interprovincial tournament every 2 years but there is currently no such tournament at the junior or senior level to bring out elite athletes.

Q: Our readership is concerned about the import players. The impression is that they have taken the place of Canadian bred talent, please give us the committee's views on that.
A: To compete, Canada must be compliant with the ICC rules part of which states that a certain percentage of the team must be born in Canada. However, we had to go searching offshore to find competitive talent as the ICC was a must win situation. In my personal opinion, priority must be given to locally bred talent. You must note however, that the CCA selection policy in terms of "immigration" is akin to the ICC. Consider also, that there is no policy at the CCA that states a player must go through the Canadian playing system before he can be selected.

Q: I have information coming to me that the players have not yet been officially informed of their invitation to the camp, can you expand on that?
A: