by Jeff Bolichowski
A weekend cricket tournament to raise relief money for flood-stricken Pakistan went to a time-limit draw Sunday.
The tournament attracted 12 teams of nine players, hitting the pitches at Jackson Park and Optimist Memorial Park. The final game was ruled a draw after being held over to Sunday, when some players from Michigan and Toronto couldn’t attend. “Overall it was a great day, great game,” said Affan Farooqi, one of the tournament’s organizers.
It wasn’t looking so great early Saturday morning, when heavy rainfall threatened to dampen the spirits of the cricket players. The showers sent the players scurrying for cover at least twice.
Nevertheless, after a few cloudbursts the players were back out on the pitch, bowling balls and swinging bats even in the rain. Farooqi said the game of cricket has a special meaning for the local Pakistani community.
“Cricket is our cultural and traditional game,” he said. “It’s a great way to get people together.

“It’s like hockey for us Canadians.”

The funds raised will go to the Windsor Islamic Association, which will send it on to aid Pakistan, reeling after devastating flooding that has affected 20 million people.

Farooqi said many in the community have had relatives affected, while others come from flooded regions. He said his aunt lives in the area and lost her home. “Quite honestly, that encouraged me to hold this event,” he said.

Another organizer, Azhar Mahmood, said the final total of money raised should be known Tuesday or Wednesday.

“We are hoping a good amount,” he said.

Farooqi acknowledged Saturday that donor fatigue could be an issue. He said many people have already donated to causes like earthquake relief in Haiti. “Even then, our job as community members is to come out and do whatever possible we can,” he said.