by Mike Kendall
The continued dismal performance of the Canadian National Cricket team, in the I-Cup format competition, is hardly the fault of the players, if at all.
We have done a bit better in 20/20 and ODI games. However if we look at 4-day matches against other Associate Countries like Kenya etc. and others like Zimbabwe , we continue to fail miserably. I am sure Cricket Canada officials and every cricket loving person with national pride, in this country, is searching for answers.

Without a doubt, for most part it is administrators and coaches of the game, who have not measured up time and again as players have done their part. There in not a single domestic competition throughout Canada where players have an opportunity to understand and experience this important format of the game.The results are catastrophic when they are faced with such
competition from countries whose players are quite used to, to playing I-Cup style games.

We as administrators, must provide our top players, a domestic competition where they can hone their skills for longer version of the game. OCA is trying to change that in Ontario.

But more importantly, MENTAL PREPARATION OF PLAYERS, for this type of competition is vital and needs a lot more emphasis than perhaps has been done in the past. My suggestion to CC will be to conduct a “military style camp” if you will, every so often, away from all distractions, where a serious dose of ‘Mental Therapy’ is administered to all players.This should include good physical
and spiritual preparation with ‘Team Building’ exercises. Camp coaches must generate PRIDE in players.

Such a camp should be repeated before a series where chalking out a special strategy as how to play the opposition and win, should be part of this camp. This will help players to get into ‘THE ZONE” before the game or the series.

With this state of mind, the players will be:

1. Relaxed 2. Confident 3. Completely focused 4. Effortless 5. Automatic 6. Will have fun and 7. In Control of their emotions and game.

We must have a fresher approach to the game in Canada if we are to get anywhere. Most all test playing countries are doing the same. This should not put any serious strain on the CC budget either, but should help players tremendously.

Cricket is as much a MIND GAME as it is physical.