Apparently, the CC President did another interview on SportTrends on June 21st. I haven't listened to it yet but will post anything of interest when I do. Also, if any news comes to light about that review of the 2019 WCL2 failure or the "new proposal" for women's cricket, I will let you know.
www.youtube.com/sportstrends
CC Facebook announcement:
https://www.facebook.com/SportsTrendsCa ... =3&theater
Summary:
On Various items
* At the end of his first stint as President, Mr Saini says he was trying to launch professional cricket league with Full Member support. Was "very, very close".
* Believes Canada could have been FM with Ireland if he had been around to pursue the goal
* President claims he would have retired after 2019 WCL2 had Canada qualified
* Blames team's WCL2 failure on lack of commitment from some players but ultimately on the "management" (presumably including CC Board and himself) for failing to get the players fully on board
* Wants HP program to be his legacy. Tried to launch the program in 2019 but finances weren't there.
On Canadian HP (First Class?) League
* Cannot support league or player contracts until finances are in place - must be sustainable
* Would require minimum $1.5M/year = $600K for 14 players, $100K for coach, $200K for facilities, + (3 tours/year @ $140K/tour)
On GT20
* Canadian players are not more highly paid because GT20 is at infancy stage. To compensate Canadians better might push tournament out of business.
* President is very disappointed and angry the owner has not delivered on the required training to Canadian players
My thoughts:
* The interview goes over items touched on in previous interviews but still interesting, if long.
* That Mr Saini was not asked (nor likely volunteered) to complete the effort he started to bring in a pro league with FM support, says a lot about
Canadian cricket: "If I'm not going to get the credit, I have no interest in advancing the sport."
* Mr. Saini is a bit idealistic in thinking Canada could have been a FM with Ireland and ahead of Afghanistan. Canada had been to 3 consecutive WC but was very poorly organized compared to the leading Associates. It wasn't until 2017 that Ireland and Afghanistan were promoted - a long time to remain ahead of the other Associates.
* Mr Saini's claim of stepping aside in 2019 belies the board's behaviour toward the matter of governance of cricket in Alberta. Is that the behaviour of someone willing to relinquish control?