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:
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