Cricket Canada

2009-07-01 Sukari to Replace Samad

An injury has forced batsmen Abdool Samad out of Cricket Canada's upcoming tour to Europe. The selectors were quick to replace the versatile batsmen with veteran batsmen Zubin Surkari. The 29 year old Surkari was a regular feature in the team in 2008 last playing at the ICC America?s championship in Florida.

Canada's tour of Europe begins on July 2nd, 2009 with an Intercontinental Cup match against Scotland in Aberdeen. [Drummond looks ahead to Canada challenge in I Cup opener] [Ireland chases fourth ICC Intercontinental Cup title]

2009-06-12 Senior Men's Team Announced for Tour to Europe

Cricket Canada is pleased to announce the following squad that will participate in the ODI and Intercontinental Cup tour of Scotland and The Netherlands.

Ashish Bagai - Captain
Umar Bhatti - Vice Captain
Qaiser Ali
Harvir Baiwan
Geoffrey Barnett
Trevin Bastiampillai
Rizwan Cheema
Khurram Chohan

Sunil Dhaniram
Sandeep Jyoti
Shaheed Keshvani
Ashif Mulla
Henry Osinde
Abdool Samad
Zahir Zameer

Ashish Bagai returns as captain for the ODI matches while Umar Bhatti will stand in for Bagai during the Intercontinental Cup matches as Bagai attends to his employment duties. John Davison (work) and Ian Billcliff (personal) were not available for the tour. Coach Pubudu Dassanayake was pleased with the team "...we are building towards the 2011 World Cup and have a good blend of youth and experience to draw from."

Canada leaves for Scotland on June 28 for 2 ODIs and an Intercontinental Cup match before moving on to The Netherlands for 2 ODI?s and an Intercontinental Cup match. The squad returns home on July 19th.

2009-06-11 Senior Men's Team Tour to Europe

TORONTO - The road to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup will start for Canada this July. Cricket Scotland, The Netherlands Cricket Board and the ICC in conjunction with Cricket Canada have confirmed the dates for Canada's Intercontinental Cup and ODI matches in Europe this summer. Canada leaves Toronto on June 28th for Aberdeen where they will take on Scotland in a 4-day match and 2 One Day Internationals. Canada will then travel to Amsterdam to take on The Netherlands in a 4-day match and 2 One Day Internationals before returning home towards the end of July.

Complete Schedule:

July 2-5, 2009 Canada vs Scotland Intercontinental Cup Match
July 7, 2009 Canada vs. Scotland (1st ODI)
July 8, 2009 Canada vs. Scotland (2nd ODI)

July 11, 2009 Canada vs. The Netherlands (1st ODI)
July 12, 2009 Canada vs. The Netherlands (2nd ODI)
July 15-18, 2009 Canada vs. The Netherlands Intercontinental Cup Match

2009-06-09 ICC America's U19 Regional Qualifier

Cricket Canada is pleased to announce the following squad for the ICC America's U19 qualification tournament, July 5th - 12th 2009 at Maple Leaf Cricket Club in King City, Ontario. Joining Canada at the tournament are Argentina, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and United States of America. The top two teams from the tournament will go through to the ICC Global Qualifier to be played later this year in Canada; from which the top 5 teams will go through to the 2010 U19 Cricket World Cup.

Rustum Bhatti (captain)
Hiral Patel (vice-captain)
Manny Aulaka
Darius D'Souza
Ruvindu Gunasekara
Abishek Krishnamoorthy
Nitesh Kumar
Usman Limbada

Zain Mahmood
Asif Manjra
Riyazkhan Pathan
Arsalan Qadir
Harpeet Singh
Hamza Tariq
Coach - Wilbert Plummer
Assistant Coach - Farouk Kirmani

2009-05-28 Sennik to Retire from Cricket Canada Presidency Post

TORONTO, May 28, 2009 - After overseeing a successful five-year tenure at the helm of Cricket Canada, President Ben Sennik announced today that he will be retiring from his volunteer role within Canada's national sport federation, effective June 30, 2009.

"This was not an easy decision," said Sennik. "However, after reviewing what we have been able to jointly achieve, and recognizing what lies ahead for all of us on the cricket scene, I believe the time is now right for me to pass the responsibility as President of Cricket Canada to other hands."

Following his appointment in 2003, Sennik was tasked with molding Cricket Canada into a successful and viable organization. Under Sennik's leadership, Canada has reclaimed its place as one of cricket's leading Associate nations, both on and off the field. Among the organization's highlights over the past five years are the following:

Securing a berth in the 2007 and 2011 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup

Finishing as runners-up in the 2004 and 2006 Intercontinental Cup

Reaching the finals of the 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifier

2008 and 2009 ICC America's Women's Champions

2008 ICC America's U15 Champions

Developing long term partnerships with several corporate partners including Scotiabank as Premier National Sponsor, ATN and Kukri

Securing funding and recognition from the Government of Canada

Securing the hosting of rights to several major international ICC events including the 2012 Under-19 World Cup of Cricket

An ever passionate supporter of the sport, Sennik's first foray into cricket remains one of Canada's most successful initiatives. In 1989, Sennik initiated and chaired the first United Way cricket match at Toronto's SkyDome. The event raised more than $800,000 (CDN), the largest single-day fundraising achievement in the history of the United Way Toronto.

Richard Done, the International Cricket Council's High Performance Manager was complimentary of Sennik's contributions to the game in the country saying, "I fully appreciate the time and commitment that Ben Sennik has put into building the game in Canada. Under his leadership Canada has developed from its voluntary base to start a new professional era both on and off the field. The National Team has qualified for its third successive ICC Cricket World Cup, the number of schools playing the game is growing, financially the sport is on a sound footing and Cricket Canada has again successfully hosted events involving a number of Full Members during 2008. I would like to personally thank Ben for his contribution. He is leaving the game in Canada with a solid base that will allow others to build the game further over the coming years."

2009-05-22 ICC Americas Women's Championship - Day 5

A rainout with Argentina this afternoon secured Canada's position as the leading Women's team in the America's region. The 6 day event in the USA has been highlighted by some exciting play but the honours have certainly belonged to the Canadian Women. Defeating both the USA and Bermuda in the opening round T20 Competition where they again convincingly defeated the host nation.

Canada had several starring performances in the week, led by Mona Persaud (71 and 3-32) against the USA, and Sheryl Tittlemier (21* in both T20 victories) all played crucial roles in big victories.

Canada's performances have gained recognition as Joanna White, Meara Crawford, Persaud, and Tittlemier all earned positions on the tournament all-star teams. The team will take on the Trinidad and Tobago development squad on Saturday.

2009-05-21 ICC Americas Women's Championship - Day 3

Canada 178-9, 40 overs (Mona Persaud 71)

USA 138 all out, 37 overs (Doris Francis 39, Candacy Atkins 35; Joanna White 3-22, Mona Persaud 3-32)
Canada won by 40 runs

Defending champions Canada took a big step towards retaining its title in the ICC Americas Women's Championship in Florida, USA with a solid 40-run victory over its North American rivals USA. Adding importance to the victory was that it also moved Canada closer to a place in the ICC Americas Qualifiers to maintain its ICC Women's World Cup dream.

Canada will next play the revelation of the tournament Argentina on Friday, while USA will face the South Americans tomorrow at Brian Picollo Park. Although having lost to Argentina in the T20 phase of the tournament, USA will still be considered the favourites to win what is for them the last chance to finish in the top two. An Argentine victory tomorrow will simply eliminate USA from any success in the event.

Having been put on to bat, Canada compiled a respectable total of 178-9 in their allotted 40 overs, thanks largely to an excellent innings of 71 from Mona Persuad. The Canadian number four faced 88 balls and struck three fours, and received some support from Sheryl Tittlemier, who made 20 in 38 balls, sharing in a vital fourth wicket partnership of 48 runs after Canada had been reduced to 57-3 at one stage.

In reply, USA made a fine start to their run chase, as Doris Francis (39 in 72 balls, one four) and Candacy Atkins (35 in 53 balls, two fours) put on 56 for the third wicket, putting their team in a strong position at 101-3. However the middle and lower order batters could not maintain the challenge, and USA was all out for 138 in 37 overs.

Canada captain, Joanna White (3-22 in six overs) and player of the match Mona Persaud (3-32 in five overs) were the main wicket takers, as the last seven USA wickets fell for a mere 37 runs.

John L. Aaron - There was no neighborly love lost yesterday as Canada and the USA did battle in the ICC-Americas Women's Cricket tournament now being played in Florida. The USA with a somewhat fledgling XI came up against a very formidable and well-prepared Cricket Canada Women's XI in the first of the 40 overs matches of the tournament. Winning the toss and electing to field the USA women were give 179 as the target for victory over their Canadian neighbors, however, a fit Canadian XI proved too much for the Americans, racing to 178 for 9 in 40 overs, largely behind a 56-run partnership between M. Persaud, 74 (4x4s) and S. Tittlemier, 22. Persaud was stumped off the bowling of pacer Joy Jones, but not before establishing a sound base for her team. Other Canadian top scorers were M. Wilson, 14, b. Doris Francis, K. Kolter, 12, run out by Doris Francis and M. Patel, 10, exiting via the same run-out route by D. Francis. M. Turkik also exited via a run-out with a brilliant return from J. Jones to the bowler C. Atkins.

Bowling for the USA, J. Jones had figures of 8-0-23-2, while I. Sutherland, C. Atkins, D. Francis and I. Mahabir each grabbed one wicket. The Canadian wickets fell at 26, 35, 59, 115, 132, 168, 178 and 178.

The USA expected Canada to be its biggest hurdle, so they were prepared to do battle; however, one of the players remarked that the only two members of the USA team not physically in pain at the conclusion of the match were the Manager and Coach. If the USA is to emerge anywhere near the winner's circle now, a lot would depend on Canada's remaining performance. The USA ladies battled in return but fell short by 38 runs, scoring 139 all out in 36 overs. An exciting 57-run partnership between Vice Captain Candacy Atkins, 36, and Doris Francis, 39 was not enough to climb over Canada, as four of the USA players entered and exited without numerically contributing to the team's tally.

Top scorer for the USA was all-rounder Doris Francis, 39 (1x4). It was a patient knock in the Dominican's hunt for runs, alongside her St. Lucian-America skipper Roselyn Emmanuel's 18 (1x4) and Joy Jones' contribution of 11. Bowling for Canada, M. Persaud 5-1-12-3 and J. White 6-0-22-3 did the damage with Desh grabbing one wicket and the USA's Isoline Sutherland exiting via a run-out. The USA wickets fell at 35, 37, 94, 102, 122, 133, 136, 137, 137 and 139. Francis' contribution with the ball, bat and her fielding must give the USA a glimmer of hope for the future, as she proved to be one of the fittest members of the USA XI.

Canadian M. Persaud's contribution of a strong and defiant 74 and coming back with the ball to grab 3 wickets for 12 runs was what undid the Americans, who do battle later this morning against nemesis Argentina whom they lost to in a thunderous weather-beaten Duckworth/Lewis Twenty20 on Tuesday. The USA will no doubt be looking to regain its composure and self-confidence in the tournament, but it is still left to be seen whether they have any gas left in the tank to complete the lap, in their own backyard.' [More] [Scorecard] [Photo Gallery]

2009-05-20 ICC Americas Women's Championship - Day 2

Earlier in the day, the final round of the T20 matches saw Canada ease past Bermuda by seven wickets, and the Trinidad & Tobago Development XI beat the USA by six wickets, at the Central Broward Regional Park grounds.

Bermuda were put in to bat and were soon in trouble, stumbling to 17-4, before fighting back to post a score of 70-7 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to an innings of 27 runs off 48 balls from Maryellen Jackson. Pick of the Canadian bowlers was seamer Deshanee Yahathugoda, who took 2-7 in her allotted four overs.

In reply, Canada started disastrously, losing its first two wickets for a mere six runs. But an assured third wicket partnership of 47 runs between Sheryl Tittlemeir (pictured left - 21 off 39 balls with two fours) and Monali Patel (16 not out off 28 balls) took Canada to the brink of victory, eventually claimed by reaching the target of 71 runs in 14.3 overs for the loss of three wickets.

Canada took on the Trinidad & Tobago Development XI in the T20 tournament final, with USA clashing with Argentina for third place, and Bermuda vs Brazil completing the final round of T20 matches.

In the final, the talented Trinidad & Tobago Development XI clinched the T20 title by virtue of a 23-run victory by the D/L method. Put in to bat, T&T made a strong 111-2 in their 20 overs, led by a fine 39 not out off 31 balls by Saroop, with all the batters getting into double figures.

In reply, Canada was 31-2 off 10.4 overs when the game was stopped due to rain and with no further play possible, the result was predictably determined for a comfortable and deserved T&T victory.

Schedule: T20 Competition
Group 1: Canada 4 pt, Argentina 2 pt, and Bermuda 0 pt
Group 2: Trinidad & Tobago Dev. XI 4 pt, USA 2 pt, and Brazil 0 pt

Mon. May 18	10.00 am	CAN 77-2 def ARG 76-6 T&T 63-2 def BRA 62-7
	3.00 pm	ARG 76-2 def BER 75-7 USA 46-0 def BRA 45-8
Tues. May 19	10.00 am	CAN 71-3 def BER 70-7 T&T 59-4 def USA 58-5
	3.00 pm	Final: T&T 111-2 def CAN 31-2 D/L 3rd: ARG 51-1 def USA 90-6 D/L 3G1 vs 3G2

The final standings from competition above will determine Americas 1 to Americas 5 for the 40 over qualifying section below.

Qualifying Section, Trinidad and Tobago not eligible to win championship. Guest team for Development only.
Qualifying section - 1. Canada, 2. Argentina, 3. USA
Development section - 4. Bermuda, 5. Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago.

The first place team of the qualifier section will be crowned "Americas Women's Champions 2009"

The two top teams from the qualifying section (1. Canada, 2. Argentina 3. USA) will earn the right to contest a special 3 game series in 2010 at a venue to be decided. The winner of this series will become the Americas Region representative to the next Women's World Cup Qualifier. [Report and Scorecards] [Photo Gallery]

2009-05-20 Canada to host the ICC U/19 CWC Global Qualifier

The ICC Development Committee decided on the following locations for upcoming events:

- The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 5 (due to take place in January 2010) will be held in Nepal.
- The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 4 (due to take place in June 2010) will be held in Italy.
- Canada will host the ICC U/19 CWC Global Qualifier in September 2009, which will see 10 Associate and Affiliate teams (two from each of the ICC's five regions) battle for five places in the ICC U/19 CWC 2010.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been invited to host the ICC World Twenty20 2010 Qualifier later this year. The event, which is currently scheduled to take place in late October, will also be expanded from its previous staging, in Ireland in 2008.

In addition to featuring the six Associate and Affiliate teams with ODI status ? Ireland, Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and Scotland ? it will also include the host team and the United States of America (USA). The top two sides from the tournament will go forward to join the 10 ICC Full Members in next year?s main event, set to take place in the West Indies in April and May at three locations ? Barbados, Guyana and St Lucia.

The binding decisions of the ICC Development Committee in relation to these events are all subject to the finalisation of logistical and budgetary arrangements with the prospective hosts. [More] [ICC Intercontinental Cup to be expanded to two divisions for 2009-10]

2009-05-19 ICC Americas Women's Championship - Day 1

Argentina provided the fireworks on an entertaining first day of the second ICC Americas Women's Championship in Florida, USA - first with a gutsy performance against defending champions Canada, and then overwhelming Bermuda in stunning fashion to win by eight wickets. The other major highlight of the T20 competition was the debut of a spirited Brazilian team.

But it was Argentina which definitely grabbed the headlines of the day. In its opening match against Canada, Argentina was asked to bat first, and it compiled a respectable 76-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opening batter Dirce Yuli top-scored with 23 runs, while captain Catalina Greloni weighed in with 17 not out. Pick of the bowlers for Canada was captain and all-rounder Joanna White, who took 2-9 in her four overs.

Canada eventually reached the target of 77 runs for the loss of only two wickets, but it took them 17.1 overs, and were it not for some uncharacteristic fielding lapses, Argentina might have pushed the run chase a little harder in the end. However, the performance of the South Americans had captured everyone's attention, and in its second game against Bermuda, the team gave everyone even more to talk about.

The big game of Day Two is now undoubtedly the clash between Canada and Bermuda, as the loser faces the prospect of not qualifying for the Division 1 40-over event later in the week for the title of ICC Americas Women's Championship, as well as the opportunity to perhaps qualify for the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers.

A Canada win will eliminate Bermuda, while a Bermudan victory will leave all three teams in the group (including Argentina) on one win apiece, which will then require a net run rate separation. In the other morning game, USA will take on Trinidad & Tobago to see who advances to the T20 final later in the day. [Canada Women determined to retain the trophy] [Day 1 Report]

2009-05-11 Women's Team Announced for Americas Championship

Cricket Canada is pleased to announce Team Canada for upcoming ICC Americas Women's Championship in Florida, USA

Joanna White (captain)
Mona Persaud
Helene Gaffney
Maree Wilson
Vadeo Sproxton
Meara Crawford
Mikaela Turik
Kim Coulter

Sheryl Tittlemier
Deshanee Yahathugoda
Monali Patel
Santhiya Rajaram
Rachel Porteous
Isabel Mengual
Coach - George Codrington
Manager - Shelly Fathers

2009-05-09 Cricket Canada Scotiabank Schools Program flourishes in Durham

The Durham District School Board, in association with Cricket Canada and Scotiabank, is running their second cricket workshop for teachers on May 15th. This will be the second training session held this year, with 36 teachers from 24 schools attending in November. Each school attending the session will receive a CCSSP Cricket Set. The workshop will help teachers implement cricket into their Phys. Ed. or Extra-curricular programs. Teachers will learn the basic skills for playing cricket - bowling, batting, fielding and running between the wickets, as well as fun activities to build on these skills. Schools interested in becoming a part of the CCSSP should follow the link below. Schools in Durham who are interested in receiving training and equipment should also contact Nauman Vania - stormerca@gmail.com. [Cricket Canada Scotiabank Schools Program]

2009-04-29 Top players from Canada make impact on Reliance Mobile ICC ODI Player Rankings

ICC - ...Canada left-arm medium-pacer Umar Bhatti gains six places in the latest rankings to 61st overall, level with team-mate Sunil Dhaniram, while the Ireland strike-bowling combination of Trent Johnston and Boyd Rankin are the other big movers in the top 20 Associates. Johnston tore the Canada batting lineup apart in the qualifier final at Centurion, taking 5-14 off 10 overs ? the best figures by an Ireland player in an ODI... [More] [Rankings]

2009-04-29 Cricket master - Dartmouth's Deonarine plays key role on national, provincial scene

Bhan Deonarine may be a year away from turning 80 but he?s as active as ever in the cricket community.

The Dartmouth resident is in his eighth year on the Canadian national cricket team selection committee, fourth as the chairman. He recently oversaw the selection process for the Canadian team that finished second at the World Cup qualifying tournament in South Africa. The result earned Canada a spot at the 2011 Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"It was a big job for us to select the team for the qualifier," Deonarine said. "We worked all year round. We looked at the players, we looked at the stats and everything else that goes into a selection process. But because we worked hard on that, we feel like we picked the right team because we qualified. We got the results we wanted." [More]

2009-04-20 Canadian Team Returns Home

The bulk of Canada's team at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualification Tournament returns to Toronto on Wednesday April 22nd. The team arrives at Toronto's Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 at 15.45 hrs on an Emirates Flight from Dubai.

The Canadian team was runners up in the recently staged Cricket World Cup Qualification Tournament in South Africa. The incredible performance by the team vaulted them to second place and secured a berth in the 2011 Cricket World Cup Qualification Tournament. The World Cup appearance will be Canada's third successive trip to international cricket's marquee event and fourth all time.

Cricket Canada encourages fans and well wishers to greet the team at the airport but requests that due respect be shown for the players families who will be there to greet them as well.

2009-04-19 Johnston and Porterfield shine as Ireland clinches the finals

Canada 185 (Bhatti 46, Johnston 5-14)

Ireland 188 for 1 (Porterfield 104*)
Ireland beat Canada by nine wickets

An all-round performance by the Irish team defeated Canada by nine wickets in the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier at Centurion on Sunday. Right arm medium pacer Trent Johnston took 5-14 and skipper William Porterfield smashed an unbeaten century to guide Ireland to victory with more than seven overs to spare.

Winning the toss, Ireland sent Canada in to bat, which proved to be a wise decision. Canada struggled to face the Irish bowling attack led by Johnston, losing wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 92-7 at one stage. Umar Bhatti stabilised the score with his 46 runs in 75 balls even as his team was skittled out for 185 runs with two overs remaining.

In the second innings, skipper Porterfield smashed a captain?s knock with his unbeaten 104 runs in 124-balls complete with 12 boundaries to record an easy win by nine wickets. The Canadian bowling attack failed to threaten the batting order at any stage and keep the runs in check as Ireland coasted to a comfortable victory. [More] [Scorecard] [Multimedia]

2009-04-17 Cricket Canada Media Release

CANADA QUALIFIES FOR ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP
TORONTO, ONTARIO AND JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - April 19, 2009

The results of the last round of games at the ICC World Cup Qualifying Tournament in South Africa have confirmed Canada's qualification for the 2011 Cricket World Cup to be hosted in Asia. Qualification comes courtesy of finishing in the top four of the tournament featuring the top twelve Associate countries of ICC (those nations which are below the major Test-playing countries such as India, England, Australia and the West Indies).

Canada will be joined at the World Cup by three other Associate countries - Ireland, Holland and Kenya.This will mark the fourth time that Canada has appeared in the ICC World Cup - in 1979, 2003, 2007 and now 2011 - which is tied for the most appearances by any Associate member country of ICC.

Canada was in the tougher of two groups at the first stage of the qualifying tournament, and over the course of the last two grueling weeks of cricket their record is an impressive six wins and only three losses, including victories over Kenya and Scotland, two of the favourites going into the tournament.

The Canadian team benefited from a wide range of individual performances through the tournament with Sunil Dhaniram, John Davison and Geoff Barnett each contributing centuries in different games. Three other batsmen have also produced big scores and, importantly, quick scores, notably Ian Billcliff, Rizwan Cheema and captain Ashish Bagai. Success in the bowling department was also spread through the squad with nine separate bowlers taking wickets in the tournament. The bowling was led by the pace triumvirate of Umar Bhatti (10 wickets) , Henry Osinde (10 wickets) and Khurram Chohan (15 wickets) which ensured that opposition batsmen did not post big scores.

"...This has been a huge achievement by our boys; perhaps the greatest success in the recent history of Canadian cricket..." said Ben Sennik, President of Cricket Canada. "...I could not be more pleased with how everybody has performed. This is terrific news for Canadian Cricket and everyone who follows the sport in Canada. It shows that a team with the correct mix of proven experience and exciting new Canadian talent can go a very long way."

Contacted in South Africa after the last round of matches, national team coach Pubudu Dasanayake said, "...many of the team gave up valuable personal vacation time from their jobs, and some even took unpaid leave to attend the training camp in Sri Lanka. They all benefited tremendously from working with world class coaches and the exposure to first class facilities. You can see the results..."

Pankaj Mehra, Director India and South Asian Markets at Scotiabank, the Premier National Sponsor of Cricket Canada, was also keen to add his praise. "The Canadian team and the Board of Cricket Canada are to be congratulated on what they have achieved in qualifying for the next World Cup. I look forward to seeing their hard work pay off in 2011 in Asia."

Thousands of cricket fans across Canada will now also be eagerly awaiting 2011.

2009-04-17 Canada Qualifies for Cricket World Cup Despite Loss to Holland

Canada 205/8 (50.0)

The Netherlands 206/4 (47.1)
Netherlands beat Canada by 6 wickets

Seven sides went into a dramatic final day of the Super Eight stage on Friday hoping to join Ireland in qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. With the top six sides at the event also gaining ODI status for the next four years, there is everything to play for on what promises to be a fascinating day of cricket.

Scotland, defeated the UAE, who yesterday achieved a surprise victory over Canada, fort 5th place. Afghanistan defeated Namibia to guarantee a top six spot, while Canada guaranteed 2nd place and a spot at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011with a close loss against the Netherlands, who secured the final World Cup berth. In the other game of the day, Kenya defeated top of the table Ireland to finish in the 3rd spot. [More] [Scorecard]

2009-04-16 Canada's bid to make cricket World Cup to be decided Friday

Canadian Press - Canada's bid to qualify for the 2011 Cricket World Cup is going down to the wire. The Canadians could have booked their ticket with a win Wednesday at the ICC World Cup Qualifier, but lost to United Arab Emirates by five wickets at the Stan Friedman Oval.

A win Friday over the Netherlands will secure qualification - and the Canadians could still qualify with a loss if they do well with the bat since run rate is a tiebreaker at the tournament. The loss left Canada with eight points in the Super Eight standings. Tournament favourite Ireland, which beat the Netherlands by six wickets Wednesday, improved to 10 points atop the table and earned its World Cup berth.

Kenya, the Netherlands and the Emirates all have six points with one game remaining. Those three teams and Canada are jostling for the final three World Cup openings.

"We're not happy, but these teams are rated under us," said manager Mike Henry. "We have a good chance (Friday) if we keep the game close." [More]

2009-04-16 Two Job Opportunities with ICC Americas Available

1. ICC Regional Development Officer - Americas - This role is an important operational position responsible for the planning and implementation of a range of programs aimed at assisting the continued growth, development and improvement of cricket within the 17 Member Countries of ICC's Americas Region.

Areas of focus include cricket education (including coaching, umpire, administration and scoring), elite development, managing strategic partnerships, improving grass roots programs, and the implementation of advanced development pathways/structures from junior to national level.

All programs have long term/sustainable objectives, and are managed at a local level by the indigenous cricket populations of the countries involved

2. ICC Development Performance Officer - Americas - This role is an important operational position responsible for the management, planning and implementation of a range of programs aimed at assisting the continued growth, development and improvement of cricket within the 17 Member Countries of the ICC Americas Region.

Ares of focus include elite cricket education (including player and coach development), the implementation of advanced development pathways/structures from junior to elite level, managing targeted performance through country development plans.

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS - MAY 4,2009

Please send a curriculum vitae and covering letter stating your current salary (US dollars) to:
ICC Americas , Regional Development Manager
3 Concorde Gate, Suite 301
Toronto, Ontario M3C 3N7, Canada
(T) 416-426-7312 (F) 416-426-7172
(E) manager@cricamericas.com
www.icc-americas-cricket.com

2009-04-15 Canada fall to UAE as Super Eight Table Tightens

Canada 194 (49.5 overs, Jyoti 43, Dorakanti 39, S. Ali 3-20)

UAE 200/5 (31.2 overs, K. Khan 53, A. Javed 40, Jyoti 2-47)
UAE beat Canada by 5 wickets

CricInfo - UAE kept their chances of making the semi-finals of the World Cup Qualifiers alive by beating Canada by five wickets and 112 balls to spare in Krugersdorp. The win also gave them a chance of finishing in the top six in the Super Eight, which will give them ODI status for the next four years. Canada made a sound start after choosing to bat, reaching 95 for 1 in the 20th over before they collapsed. Sandeep Jyoti was their top-scorer with 43 as they folded for 194. Saqib Ali was UAE's best bowler with 3 for 20. UAE were given a powerful start by opener Amjad Javed who smashed 40 off 23 balls. The middle-order batsmen made useful contributions and Khurram Khan scored an unbeaten half-century to lead his team to victory in the 32nd over. [Scorecard] [Multimedia]

2009-04-13 Billcliff Carries Canada to Victory against Afghanistan

Afghanistan 265/8 (50 overs, N. Ali 121, N. Mangal 49, Cheema 3-41)

Canada 268-4 (48.3 overs, Billcliff 96*, Bagai 68, Cheema 46, M. Nabi 1-43)
Canada beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets

CP- Ian Billcliff scored 96 not out and captain Ashish Bagai - pictured left [Gallo Images] - added 68 runs as Canada continued its strong play at the ICC World Cup Qualifying cricket tournament, defeating Afghanistan by six wickets Monday.

Canada won the toss and sent the Afghans in to bat at L.C. de Villiers Oval, a decision that seemed to backfire when Noor Ali made 122. The Afghan opener was eventually run out with 233 runs on the board. Afghanistan made 265 for eight in its 50 overs.

Geoff Barnett (19) and Rizwan Cheema (46) combined for 67 before the first Canadian wicket fell. Billcliff, with eight fours and two sixes, and Bagai, three fours and one six, kept the scoreboard ticking until the victory total was reached in the 48th over with six wickets remaining.

With two games left in the Super Eight stage, Canada remains on target to finish in the top four and qualifying for the 2011 World Cup.

Other Completed Matches:

Ireland 134-2 (27.4 overs) def

UAE 133 (39.5)

The Netherlands 262-8 (46.7 overs) def

Namibia 258-8 (50.0 overs)

Kenya 178 (49.4 overs) def

Scotland 154 (46.8 overs)
[Scorecard] [Multimedia]

2009-04-12 Canada's Women Defeat Trinadad U17s

The Canadian Women's currently attending a training camp in Trinidad in preparation for the ICC Americas Women's tournament to be played in Florida May 17 - 24, 2009, defeated a Trinidad U17 team in their warm up match played at the Sir Frank Worrell Academy grounds in Balmain, Couva. Canada batted first and made 148 for 9 in their 40 overs. Mona Persaud 39, Sheryl Tittlemier 34, Helene Gaffney 10 not out. In reply Trinidad U17, 74 all out. Deshanee Yahathugoda 5 for 19; Helene Gaffeny 2 for 6; Mona Persaud 2 for 10.

The ladies continue to show all round improvement in the field. The work of Coach George Codrington and the assistance of David Turik (A volunteer with the team) over the last 6 days have really paid off. The teams last game will be on Monday prior to their departure back home on Tuesday, 14 April.

2009-04-11 Canada Cruise to Victory against Kenya

Kenya 181 (43.5 overs, Kamande 61, Osinde 4-39)

Canada 185-3 (34.2 overs, Cheema 49, Barnett 38, Kamande 1-13)
Canada beat Kenya by 7 wickets

Canada defeated Kenya in one of the biggest matches of the tournament today. The victory has placed Canada at the top of the Super Eight Table, and in a great position to qualify for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. In other Super Eight matches, Ireland 196 were surprised by Afghanistan 218-7; Namibia 280-7 defeated UAE 231-9; Scotland 216-8 defeated European rivals Netherlands 190.

Canada made a great decision when, after winning the toss, they put Kenya into bat. The Kenyans struggled to a total of 181 from only 43.5 overs, receiving contributions from only Kamande (61) and Nehemiah Odhiambo (34). Henry Osinde (left) led the Canadian attack taking 4 wickets for only 39 runs, while Chohan and Cheema took 2 wickets each.

Canada got off to a great start with the bat, Rizwan Cheema scored 49 before being caught off the bowling of Odhiambo. His opening partner Geoff Barnett contributed 38 to the total before being bowled down by Kamande. Billcliff (36) and Bagai (40) continued the run chase at the steady pace of 5 runs per over. Canada reached the target with 7 wickets and 15.3 overs to spare.

Ashif Mulla has replaced John Davison in the Canadian Squad due to injury. Mulla played in the match versus Kenya and scored 9 runs from 21 balls. [Scorecard] [Multimedia]

2009-04-09 Davison Out for Tournament

Cricket Canada is confirming today that all rounder John Davison has suffered a leg injury and will be out approximately 3-4 weeks. The nature of the injury and duration of the recovery is such that Davison has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2009 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualification Tournament in South Africa. Through 5 games Davison is the 5th leading run scorer in the tournament with 223 runs at an average of 46.60. His highest score was 131 which came in the win over Namibia. Davison also has 2 wickets and a catch.

Canadian Manager Mike Henry was reflective on Davison's loss "John is a great player and has had a fantastic tournament for us...we will miss his contribution on the field...we are fortunate to have other players that can step in and contribute and we are confident that they will do so"

Cricket Canada has applied to the tournament technical committee, for Davison to be removed from Canada's squad as he is no longer able to participate in the tournament and a replacement will be named shortly. Canada's next game is Saturday April 11 against Kenya. [Davison's Profile]

2009-04-08 Canada Crush Scotland - Advance to Super Eights with 4 points

Canada 252-7 (50 overs, Bagai 91, Dhaniram 41, Wright 3-23)

Scotland 104 (30.5 overs, Smith 43, Bhatti 3-31)
Canada beat Scotland by 148 runs

CP - Fast bowler Umar Bhatti ripped through the Scottish batting attack as Canada defeated Scotland by 148 runs in its final round-robin game at the ICC World Cup Qualifying cricket tournament in South Africa.

Canada (4-1) had already qualified for the Super Eight round but Wednesday's win means the Canadians will take four points out of a possible six with them into the next stage. Teams carry forward points gained against other countries that advance to the Super Eight.

Scotland won the toss and sent Canada in to bat at Willowmoore Park. After opener Geoff Barnett (21), Rizwan Cheema (0) and Ian Billcliff (3) were dismissed, captain Ashish Bagai steadied the innings with an 87 that included eight fours and one six. The score brought Bagai to 1000 ODI Runs.

Sunil Dhaniram added 41 and John Davison 32 as Canada scored 252 runs in its 50 overs. Canada's pace duo of Bhatti and Henry Osinde tore into the Scottish batsmen, reducing the Scots from 19 for zero to 29 for four. Scotland (3-2) could manage just 104 runs in response, running out of wickets in the 31st over. Colin Smith accounted for 43 of those runs. [More] [Scorecard] [Multimedia]

2009-04-06 Canada Suffers First Loss of CWCQ to Ireland

Canada 220 (Barnett 49, Davison 41, Rankin 2-36)

Ireland 223 for 4 (O'Brien 89*, Morgan 84*)
Ireland beat Canada by six wickets

Impressive Irish batting under pressure brings about Canada's first defeat in Group A. Kevin O'Brien and Eoin Morgan rescued Ireland from a precarious position to maintain their team's 100 per cent record in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier with victory over Canada at Benoni today....

...Previously unbeaten in the tournament the Canadians knew they did not have enough runs on what was a good batting surface. Geoff Barnett (49), John Davison (41) and Ian Billcliff (38) all got good starts without being able to capitalise, especially considering the Irish fielding early on was uncharacteristically loose as they dropped four catches and missed a stumping.

But Canada coach Pubudu Dassanayake remained upbeat afterwards, comfortable in the knowledge that his side was already through to the Super Eight stage. "In the morning when we were batting we got a good start despite a bit of juice on the wicket early on but then we didn't go through well. We lost a bit of momentum and then Ireland put pressure on us to restrict our scoring.

"But we will regroup after this and come back well in our next game against Scotland. We are capable of beating them. We are still very confident we come back hard and collect those two points to bring through into the next round," he said. [More] [Scorecard] [Video] [Audio]

2009-04-04 Canada Makes it Three Wins in a Row

Canada 319 (49.5 overs, J Davison 131, I Billcliff 61, G Barnett 46, I van Zyl 4-53)

Namibia 178 (48.0 overs, S Burger 75, I van Zyl 48)
Canada beat Namibia by 141 runs

John Davison finally found his form on Saturday as Canada pounded Namibia on Day 3 of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Davison scored 131 runs from 99 balls, including 10-4s and 6- 6s, Geoff Barnett (46) and Ian Billcilff (61) also contributed to Canada's total of 319 all out. Namibia in reply lost 6 wickets with the total only 43, and only received batting support from Burger (75) and van Zyl (48).

Canada remains at the top of Group A with a perfect 3 wins and 0 losses. Ireland have also gone undefeated in Group A play. Canada and Ireland will meet on Monday, April 6th. [More] [Scorecard] [Davison and CHC to SA Interview] [Video Highlights]

2009-04-02 Support Team Canada - Join the Facebook Group

This fansite is to promote and support the Canadian team, we have five programs: Senior Mens and Womens Team, Canada A, U19 and U15. Please feel free post pictures, to ask questions and post useful information that fans might find interesting and/or amusing. [More]

2009-04-02 Canada defeat Uganda on Day 2 of ICC CWCQ

Uganda 231-8 (50 overs, K Kamyuka 85, R Mukasa 42, K Chohan 3-31)

Canada 232-5 (47.0 overs, G Barnett 102*, S Dhaniram 39)
Canada beat Uganda by 5 wickets

CricInfo - Canada registered their second win on the trot beating Uganda by five wickets in Johannesburg. Geoff Barnett's century helped Canada overhaul a target of 232 in the 47th over after Khurram Chauhan had starred with the ball, picking up 3 for 31. Uganda looked to be struggling with half the side gone for 91, but Kenneth Kamyuka's near run-a-ball 85, with five fours and two sixes, pushed them to a competitive total. During the chase, Barnett steadied the Canadian innings after Kamyuka's early strikes and was well supported in two fifty-plus partnerships by captain Ashish Bagai (33) and Sunil Dhaniram (39). He remained unbeaten on 102 off 123 balls, hitting nine boundaries and a six. [Scorecard] [Video Highlights]

2009-04-01 Canada Get off to a Good Start at CWCQ

Canada 247 (49.3 overs, S Dhaniram 100*, R Cheema 64, Syed Hussain 5-39, Awal Khan 3-19)

Oman 144 (40.0 overs, Farhan Khan 43, N Parmar 38*, K Chohan 4-28)

Rizwan Cheema led of with a quickfire 64 from 44 balls, including 7 4s and 4 6s. Sunil Dhaniram continued his solid international batting with a not out 100 to lead Canada to 247 all out with 3 balls to spare. Oman struggled in their reply scoring only 144 all out from 40 overs.

Other Scores:

Ireland 233-3 defeated

Scotland 232-7

The Netherlands 248-3 defeated

Kenya 247-8

Afghanistan 205-5 defeated

Denmark 203-9
[CricInfo Scorecard] [Video Highlights]

2009-03-16 Cricket Canada president excited about future

Toronto Sun - Ben Sennik has seen his leadership as president of Cricket Canada questioned, he's had his authority challenged, his decisions maligned and watched three members of the board walk out the door in the past year amidst a swirling controversy.

This week Sennik addressed the politics and in-fighting. It's murky. "Unfortunate," he said. But, all the bitching aside, he does guarantee one thing:

"We're going to the World Cup in 2011," he guaranteed, as the national team prepares for the International Cricket Council World Cup qualifiers, now less than a month away: "Four teams will go (to the World Cup from the tournament)," said Sennik, this week. "One of those four will be Canada." [More]

2009-03-11 All 12 squads now confirmed for ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier

All 12 squads have now been named ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2009, which takes place in South Africa next month.

This year's tournament promises to be a closely fought event with the top four sides qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Apart from the Scots, the other five teams that took part in the last World Cup - Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Kenya and the Netherlands - will be taking part along with Denmark, Namibia, Oman and United Arab Emirates from Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 2 and the two qualifiers from Division 3, Afghanistan and Uganda. [More]

2009-03-08 Cricket Canada Announces Women's Training Squad

TORONTO - Cricket Canada is pleased to announce today the following training squad that will take part in a 10 day training camp at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Centre in Trinidad April 4th to 14th, 2009.

Joanna White - captain
Meara Crawford
Helene Gaffney
Isabella Mengual
Ave Mogan
Monali Patel
Mona Persaud

Rachel Porteus
Yvette Singh
Vadeo Sproxton
Sheryl Tittlemier
Mikaela Turik
Maree Wilson
Deshanee Yahathugoda

Shelly Fathers - Manager
George Codrington - Coach

The academy visit is preparation for the players ahead of the ICC America's Women's Championship scheduled for Florida in May 2009.

2009-03-05 Canada ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 15 Man Squad

TORONTO, ONTARIO - March 3, 2009 - Cricket Canada is pleased to announce the following 15 Player squad to represent Canada for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualification Tournament, Johannesburg, South Africa:

1. Ashish Bagai - Captain
2. Umar Bhatti - Vice Captain
3. Qaiser Ali
4. Harvir Baidwan
5. Geoffrey Barnett
6. Ian Billcliff
7. Rizwan Cheema
8. Khurram Chohan
9. John Davison
10. Sunil Dhaniram
11. Sandeep Jyoti

12. Arivindan Kandappah
13. Eion Katchay
14. Henry Osinde
15. Balaji Rao

Reserves:
Asif Mulla
Trevin Bastiampillai
Karun Jethi
Mohammad Iqbal
Jason Sandher

Ashish Bagai has accepted the Captaincy and looks forward to lead the finest collection of Canadian cricket talent assembled in some time, as Canada looks to qualify for its third consecutive Cricket World Cup. The core of the team continues to train in Sri Lanka and more squad members will join through the early part of March, based on their employment schedules.

The team will move to South Africa in mid March to hold a high performance camp and practice matches ahead of the qualifier start of April 1, 2009.

2009-02-25 Canadian Cricket Players to Wear Kukri in 2009 and beyond

TORONTO, ONTARIO -  Cricket Canada is pleased to announce the signing of two, four year agreements with Kukri Sports Canada Inc [Kukri] making Kukri the official kit supplier and official merchandiser for Cricket Canada.

Kukri will supply all Cricket Canada Teams, Coaches and Executives with apparel; as well as designing and supplying Cricket Canada a range of items to merchandize for sale to Canada's cricket fans and supporters "This is a tremendous opportunity for Cricket Canada and for Kukri to develop a range of Cricket Canada branded apparel and provide our players with world class cricket attire," said Ben Sennik, Cricket Canada's President.

This is Cricket Canada's third major sponsorship agreement. Kukri joins Scotiabank and ATN.

Wendy Hughes, Kukri's Canadian GM, added "We are delighted to add Canada to the family of Cricket teams we partner with, like Lancashire and Ireland which currently wear Kukri. Over the next four years we will be introducing many new products and the Canadian team will be one of the first teams to wear them." A new kit has been designed for 2009. "We look forward to designing a full range of merchandise as well, initially we will be introducing ten items, which will be available in the early summer," Ms. Hughes concluded.

The new kit will be debuted by the Canadian Men's Senior Team at the World Cup Qualifier in South Africa [April 1 - 19, 2009] and promises a dynamic take on Canada's traditional colours. The Canadian Women's team will be wearing Kukri at the upcoming training camp in Trinidad and at the ICC Americas Tournament later this year.

Sunil Dhaniram, one of the top Associate players, recently named in the 2007-08, ICC Intercontinental Cup Dream Team and a senior member of the Canadian team was excited with the agreement "I have seen the new designs and look forward to wearing the new practice and playing kit in South Africa at the World Cup Qualifier."

2009-02-24 252 Media Scores Exclusive Partnership with Cricket Canada

TORONTO - 252 Media Inc. announced today that it has been named the official sponsorship and community activation agency of Cricket Canada.

252 Media will work extensively with Cricket Canada to develop and execute the national body's sponsorship agreements. Through its partnership, 252 Media will focus on growing the sport throughout Canada, executing the organization's major sport and community events and enhancing Cricket Canada's website.

Cricket Canada's current corporate partners include Scotiabank, a Premier National Sponsor.

"We're thrilled to partner with 252 Media on this initiative," said Ben Sennik, President of Cricket Canada. "252 Media's management team, market knowledge and internal resources will be invaluable to our organization as we continue to promote and introduce cricket to a new generation of Canadian sport fans." [More]

2009-02-10 Chief Executive Officer - Cricket Canada

Cricket Canada is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to implement a long-term strategic plan for the organization and to lead it in the highly competitive sports industry in Canada. Please submit a cover letter and resume to canada@cricamericas.com or to our offices:
Attn: Mr. Calvin Clarke - General Secretary
Cricket Canada, 3 Concord Gate, Suite 301, Toronto, ON, M3C 3N7 [Details]

2009-02-05 Atapattu hired as Batting Consultant

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Cricket Canada is pleased to announce today that Marvan Atapattu has been retained as a specialist batting consultant. Atapattu's appointment will be effective immediately and will run until the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier April 1-18 in South Africa. Atapattu will report directly to head Coach Pubudu Dassanayake.

One of the great technical batsmen of his era, Atapattu particularly excelled in South Africa where he averaged a healthy 48.42 in ODI Cricket in 24 matches. This stellar record included 2 centuries against South Africa.

Cricket Canada coach Pubudu Dassanayake was instrumental in bringing his former teammate on board and commented "It's my pleasure to welcome an experienced batsman like Marvan as the Batting Coach for the Canadian cricket team. Marvan is one of the most technically correct batsmen that Sri Lanka has ever produced. He excelled on South Africa's bouncy pitches and had performed exceptionally under those conditions. He will be a definite asset to our team in preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifier. Marvan will share his knowledge and experience and have tremendous impact for our players. He is a role model that any upcoming international cricketer should follow. I am excited to work with him to achieve our goal."

The addition of Atapattu to the coaching teams is another move forward for Cricket Canada as they push towards the goal of qualifying for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

2009-02-05 Canadian Players to Attend High Performance Camp in Sri Lanka

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Cricket Canada is pleased to announce today, the acceptance of the invitation of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to train in Sri Lanka in the lead up to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The concept was inspired by an invitation by Sri Lanka Cricket, the High Performance camps run by the ICC; and arranged by Pubudu Dassanayke.

Eight players will train in Sri Lanka from February 10 - March 19th, 2009 before joining the rest of the team in South Africa ahead of the qualification tournament for a pre tournament tour. The squad will be undertaking specialist coaching in all aspects of the game, focusing on the One day format. Cricket Canada have also been able to secure the specialist services of Marvan Atapattu, a former Sri Lankan player with over 90 test and 268 ODI caps to assist with preparations.

The players traveling to Sri Lanka are expected to form the core of the qualifier final 15 and have been training full time in Toronto since the team returned from its Caribbean and United States tours.

The players traveling to Sri Lanka are:
Qaiser Ali, Umar Bhatti, Rizwan Cheema, Harvir Baidwan, Khurram Chohan, Sandeep Jyoti, Eion Katchay, Henry Osinde

Dassanayake commenting on the trip said, "The Sri Lanka Board has offered Cricket Canada assistance with Coaches and Nutritional programs." The tour will be based at P. Saravanamuttu and R. Premadasa Stadiums in Colombo.

2009-01-30 Cricket Canada Appoints Interim C.E.O.

TORONTO, January 29, 2009 - Ben Sennik, President of Cricket Canada, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ingleton Liburd as interim C.E.O. of Cricket Canada, replacing outgoing C.E.O, Atul Ahuja, who held the position from November 2007. Mr. Liburd joined Cricket Canada as Development Officer in the fall of 2008 and is a former captain of the Canadian national cricket team.

Mr. Liburd is well known within the Canadian and international cricket communities. Prior to joining Cricket Canada, he served as President of the St. Kitts Cricket Association and as a Territorial Development Officer for the West Indies Cricket Board. Mr. Liburd was also Vice-President of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association, responsible for its cricket program for children.

"Ingleton has a tremendous knowledge of the game of cricket and has demonstrated his leadership skills throughout his association with the game," said Mr. Sennik. "On behalf of the Cricket Canada Board of Directors, we are pleased to have Ingleton as a key part of our team as we continue to enhance cricket's appeal across Canada at the professional and community levels."

2009-01-13 Cricket Canada launches first phase of new website: cricketcanada.org

Cricket Canada launches first phase of new website. Information can be found on the Cricket Canada Scotiabank School Program and Registration Forms, and other Cricket Canada and National Junior, Mens and Womens Team news. [More]

2009-01-12 National Launch: Cricket Canada Scotiabank School Program

The Cricket Canada Scotiabank School Program (CCSSP) will be launched nationwide at the Eugene Reimer Middle School in Abbotsford, BC, Tuesday, January 13th at 10 AM (PST). Media photo-ops will be held concurrently at Crossing Park School, Calgary and North Kipling Junior Middle School, Toronto.

The CCSSP is estimated to become the largest elementary School program in the Cricket-playing world outside of the 10 ICC full-member countries. For details of the CCSSP, please visit: www.cricketcanada.org [More]

2008-12-12 Canada aim for full strength at World Cup Qualifiers

Tony Munro - Canada intend to field their best possible team at the World Cup Qualifiers in April, according to Cricket Canada CEO Atul Ahuja. Canada were without their overseas-based players during the recent Americas Championship and finished third on run-rate, behind the United States and Bermuda.

"We're not pretending that was anything like our best team in Florida, it wasn't even our A team or B team. But when the World Cup Qualifiers come around we will be looking to have our best team on the field," Ahuja told Cricinfo. [More]

2008-12-04 Toronto Star Article on Canada's Recent Tour

Faraz Sarwat (Toronto Star) - In spite of being battered around in Guyana during the WICB Cup, which is the West Indies domestic One-Day championship, Canada embarked to Florida last week to take part in the ICC Americas Division 1 Championship with high hopes of winning the trophy. The tournament is for ICC Associate countries, so none of the countries that comprise the West Indies participate. That was good news for Canada after recent heavy losses to Leeward Islands (by 184 runs), Jamaica (by 9 wickets) and Guyana (by 7 wickets).

Bermuda, which like Canada has ODI status, was considered the only real threat to Canada's title hopes, which allowed the USA to catch both teams off guard. [More]

2008-12-01 Cricket Canada (CCA) Umpiring Examinations

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2008 -10:00 a.m.
Location: Police Station, 40 Norfinch Dr, Toronto, ON M3N 1X1
Requirements: Register by e-mail or telephone before the date, stating for which Level that you wish to be a candidate.
Cost: Pay fee on the date. Level 1 $10, Levels 2 and 3 $12
Note: Candidates for Levels 2 and 3 must bring their own calculators for Last Hour calculations and D/L sheets and tables.
Candidates must not have taken a Cricket Canada (CCA) umpiring examination earlier in this calendar year.
Contact: Gwynne Giles, (416) 494-0455, gwynnegiles@yahoo.ca

2008-12-01 Day 5: USA claim Americas title

In a rain-interrupted match at Brian Piccolo Park, USA clinched the title with an 87-run win Cayman Islands, thus finishing their campaign unbeaten. A commanding opening stand of 194 between Sushil Nadkarni and Carl Wright put the USA firmly in the driving seat, with Wright going on to make a brilliant 112 from 105 balls. Nadkarni, the player of the tournament, made 84 from 103 balls with 10 fours. Kevon Bazil bowled well in difficult conditions to take 4 for 75 as USA reached 289 for 6 in 49 overs. Rain interruptions curtailed Cayman Islands' response and the match was eventually called to a halt with them struggling on 65 for 4 in the 24th over.

At the Central Broward Regional Park stadium in Lauderhill, the eagerly awaited clash between Bermuda and Canada was eventually abandoned late in the day with no result possible. Showers and lashing winds scuppered any chance of completing the match. Canada reached 190 for 6 in their 42 overs, while Bermuda's chase was cut short with the score on 53 for 1. [More] [Points Table] [Scorecard]

2008-11-27 Canada's Henry Osinde talks to Cover Point ahead of a busy few weeks for Canada

In Canada's strong bowling performances at the Al-Barakah T20 Tournament in October, Henry Osinde impressed more than most. The tall seam bowler generated bounce that troubled both Pakistan and Zimbabwe, and Geoff Lawson, then Pakistan coach, singled him out for praise. Nevertheless, Osinde sees himself as the spearhead of Canada's pace attack, and wanted more. "I'd say I achieved 85% to 90% of what I wanted to do," he admits, as Canada prepare to fly to Guyana to play in the West Indies domestic one-day competition. "For the team I am the strike bowler, I always take wickets. But I wasn't really taking wickets, I was just containing." [More]

2008-11-05 Rizwan Cheema: Big fish, small pond

CricInfo - He may play for Canada but he's drawing favourable comparisons with the big boys of international cricket thanks to his ability to clear the boundary at will.

"When I left for the ground this morning, I told my family I would hit Shoaib Akhtar for a six today." Not many batsmen in the world would begin their day with such a prophecy and then see it fulfilled, but then not many batsmen are Rizwan Cheema. [More]

2008-11-02 Sun Shines on Canada T20 Quadrangular - Cover Point

Mother Nature must have a soft spot for Canadian cricket. Autumn has long since commenced in Southern Ontario, the nights are drawing in, and the leaves have turned the spectacular reds, golds and yellows that characterise the Canadian Fall. Yet for the new T20 Canada tournament, King City, 35km from downtown Toronto, enjoyed four days of perfect 20C sunshine. Only time will tell the importance of this unseasonal weather, but there's no doubt it helped bless the bold new era in Canadian cricket with the best of starts. [More]

2008-04-10 Scotiabank Becomes Canada's 'All Rounder' in Cricket

Scotiabank and Cricket Canada today announced a three year sponsorship agreement that makes Scotiabank the Premier National Sponsor and Official Bank of Cricket in Canada. While the agreement includes exclusivity across the financial services sector, further terms were not disclosed. "We are very proud to take on this preeminent national sponsorship of cricket in Canada," said Rania Llewellyn, Scotiabank Vice-President, Multicultural Banking. "The popularity of cricket in the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Guyana and the West Indies has carried over into several of Canada's multicultural communities. We look forward to working with Cricket Canada to enhance the sport's appeal across the country at both the professional and community levels." [More]

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