We have recieved the following communication from Gullu Bajwa with a request to publish it. We are happy to do so, and would welcome contributions from those who may have a different viewpoint on the events described below:-
The movement got moving in 2008. You are the judge as to who is playing politics, who wants control, and who is interested in $$$
1) In 2008, certain board members of the Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) wanted to get control of cricket in Ontario, irrespective of the fact that OCA had this responsibility
2) These individuals, together with the Etobicoke and District Cricket League (EDCL) worked together to form an organization namely Cricket Council of Ontario (CCO), and legitimise this new body to control cricket in Ontario. Success was not achieved immediately, and T&DCA went back to OCA at status quo. EDCL did not get re- acceptance to OCA.
3) The two parties had documented a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) agreeing to work together, to ensure that both leagues got back into OCA, and continue to aim for control of cricket in Ontario.
4) When the duly elected MLCC board took control of MLCC in about April 2009, the President discovered the bank account was practically empty. This was after successful TRI and Quad series held at MLCC during 2008.
5) After trying unsuccessfully to get the information from the then President and Treasurer, the MLCC President elect for 2009, decided to launch a Police investigation regarding the situation.
6) An audit was conducted based on the police request, and it was discovered that over $190,000 was spent or used up by MLCC, and there are no supporting invoices/receipts.
7) Since this investigation was launched, there have been consistent efforts by some members of T&DCA and CC, to get rid of the legitimate Board and MLCC, to make this problem go away. Stay tuned, as this subject is still being played out
8) Some members of T&DCA complained to CC that the SAGM and AGM conducted by the OCA in 2010 were not done per its constitution. CC and its provincial representatives formulated a story and process on these events, and used it as a basis to expel OCA from CC.
9) CC launched an inquiry setting up a commission of CC Board members to review the complaints from T&DCA and possibly others. The commission did not interview a single person who attended the SAGM.
10) The CC commission, following their investigation, reported that the OCA SAGM and AGM were called appropriately per its constitution. Amongst other things, It also recommended that the results from the meetings be nullified
11) CC used the complaints to conclude that OCA did not have control of cricket in Ontario, and in conjunction with some members of T&DCA, decided to take control of selecting the Ontario team for the National Provincial tournament. The OCA selected team was not allowed to participate in the games. Additionally, there was some crafty last minute relocation of the first Ontario game, to make sure the OCA selected team will not be able to show up for the game.
12) On September 04, 2010, CC called a SAGM in which they presented a motion, requesting OCA to nullify the results of their 2010 SAGM and AGM, and accept EDCL in OCA. Failing to do this in 30 days, they will expel OCA from CC.
13) OCA called a SAGM, per its constitution, giving six weeks’ notice, with a date of October 24, 2010. CC denied OCA the additional time they requested for this meeting. CC proceed to carry out its plan to expel OCA from CC, ending a better than 60 years relationship, on the basis of the motion.
14) This was done under the leadership of the current CC President, together with representatives from the 3 leagues mentioned above.
15) I will refer you to item #2 and 3 above. CCO was formed with 3 leagues (T&DCA, EDCL and CCCAT). CCO was accepted in CC immediately following the expulsion of OCA.
16) Questions should be asked by both ardent cricketers and supporters, about the legitimacy of these actions, per CC constitution, the moral values of those involved, and the spirit of the game.
17) So they made their plans work, breaking several rules along the way, and they continue to do so, hoping to achieve success with MLCC.
18) Some of the individuals who orchestrated the OCA expulsion, the CCO recognition by CC, are also involved with activities to change the MLCC Board
19) Those who are asking for an MLCC constitution should follow-up with the President of T&DCA, as he distributed it recently. When you get a copy, look at it objectively, and see for yourself who has the authority to do what the T&DCA is doing, and the answers to your questions will be there for you to determine.
20) Have a great season, wherever you choose to play your cricket.