Amit Gossai
Move over hockey, cricket is coming.
That was the message delivered this afternoon during the Ghaznavi Cricket Club’s (GCC) 10th anniversary gala at Mississauga’s Maple Banquet Hall. More than 100 people attended the affair in support of the Mississauga-based club that won the 2010 Stoney Creek Cricket Academy T25 Championship Cup. “Cricket is the fastest growing sport in Mississauga and it has taken this city by storm,” said Mississauga Sports Council member Susan Stewart. “I feel the love of the community for the sport of cricket.”

GCC executive member Nabeel Mirza said the club has grown significantly over the past years.
“When we started the club, we only had one team,” said Mirza. “Now we have 63 members and four teams with hopes of adding another team next year.”
The largest club in the Toronto & District Cricket Association (TDCA), Mirza said it’s important for Mississaugans to support cricket so the sport can grow.
“In Mississauga, there are a lot of immigrants who grew up playing cricket,” said Mirza. “We need more grounds, for sure, and maybe even a stadium. Hopefully, we will get some kind of help through the Mayor’s Task Force (on sports).”
Mayor Hazel McCallion, who handed out several awards at the gala, said cricket is becoming a growing concern in Mississauga.
“There are two sports we’re not dealing with adequately … field hockey and cricket,” said McCallion. “The sports task force will listen to all sport groups in Mississauga about funds and facilities and everyone will be treated equally.”
Mirza, a Mississauga resident for the past 10 years, said finding a place to play is a major issue.
“Hopefully, in the near future, our club would like to have two grounds to support our members. Right now we play at one field in Mississauga and others in Toronto,” said Mirza. “Our club is always growing. We need the support now.”
With more than 10 Mississauga-based teams in the TDCA, McCallion said the cricket community needs to be heard.
“We most realize the change in population,” said McCallion. “Let’s put cricket back on the map.”