A commentary from Mike Kendall
The unexpected turn of events at the CC AGM, that saw Ravin Moorthy being elected as the new President, is welcome news for many
cricket loving fans all over Canada. Personally as well as on behalf of the OCA, I congratulate Ravin on his election victory.
Many in this province feel that this is a major set back for Ontario as the power of Canadian Cricket is shifted to the hands of the Western provinces.
I beg to disagree.
If you look at the history of Canadian Cricket, this scenario has played out many times before. Ontario has remained strong then and
will continue to remain strong even now. The fact that 80% plus Cricket is played here, is hard to ignore.
Unlike the past when this province was represented in the National Body by its founding member OCA, the current situation is quite different. This time however Ontario’s work is cut out for us, as there are obvious divisions in the provincial Cricket at present. On top of that, there is no major representation of Ontario, in the make up of the senior positions of the new CC Executive. This is a ‘wake up’ call and an opportunity at the same time, for all sides to bury the hatchet and come together as one voice. Otherwise we run the risk of further
damage to the game here, as we will open ourselves to others for possible temptation to take further advantage of the situation.

Again, the onus will also be on the new executive to prove that they are impartial and that the selection and make up of the National teams will be on the basis of merit and by an independent committee of professionals, experienced cricketers who know their responsibility. There are a couple of opportunities coming up to do just that in the near future and I expect no less.

However if the status quo continues, the results will be no different either.

In my books, the current administrative structure of CC is reasonably sound and Mr. Moorthy and his team will perhaps continue with a similar structure. To top it off, the teams can’t do any worse than what they are doing right now. So their job is not as formidable as it may seem at first instant. The question is, will they implement the changes necessary for a solid team make up and then MOTIVATE and INSPIRE the players?

It is obvious that Mr Moorthy would not have won without the support of BC, Alberta and a few other provinces. I know that at least both of
these provinces would like to see the issues in Ontario settled. I am hoping that they will encourage and Ravin will take the leadership to
expedite the process of re-conciliation by undoing some of the past actions with respect to the OCA. For the past 50 plus years, OCA has been and currently is, the representative body of Cricket in the entire Province and must be restored to its rightful place in Cricket Canada.

Having said so, Ontario’s internal problems will have to be solved by the Ontarians.
In my last article, I had tried to reach out to all, by offering to work out a negotiated settlement. So far there had not been any takers for obvious reasons.
Now that the situation has changed drastically, I am hoping that people will try to go beyond their petty differences and do what is
right for the benefit of Cricket in this province.. The offer still stands and now I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel..

Mike Kendall,
President,
Ontario Cricket Association.