Beyond the Test World
School cricket on the rise in Mexico
On a beautiful sunny day under blue skies, a group of around 40 enthusiastic youngsters from four different schools in and around Mexico City got together at the Reforma Athletic Club for the sixth time in two years to play inter-schools cricket
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
On a beautiful sunny day under blue skies, a group of around 40 enthusiastic youngsters from four different schools in and around Mexico City got together at the Reforma Athletic Club for the sixth time in two years to play inter-schools cricket. This initiative, promoted by the Mexican Cricket Association as part of a development plan aimed at getting Mexicans involved in cricket at grass roots level, has been enormously successful in these early stages.
The standard of cricket has risen dramatically since the first event was held and some genuine talent is beginning to appear and develop. Perhaps more importantly, all of the boys and girls who have participated have shown a level of enthusiasm and a respect for the spirit of the game that would be an example to many seasoned players - no questioning of decisions, high levels of sportsmanship and excellent relationships between the teams have been characteristics of the tournaments played so far.
There is definitely a sensation that this is the beginning of something significant. Credit must be given to the teachers, parents and members of the MCA who have supported this program. There is a real possibility of Mexico being able to field a team of Mexicans in the not too distant future.
From ICC Americas' regional newsletter
Full postFalkland junior cricket continues to expand
Falklands' season kicked off at Mount Pleasant Airfield (MPA) this month with two Twenty20 knock-out matches played back to back
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Falklands' season kicked off at Mount Pleasant Airfield (MPA) this month with two Twenty20 knock-out matches played back to back. In the first match, MPA took on a weakened Stanley side, coasting to an easy seven-wicket victory. In the second game, Kelpers met HMS Nottingham.
The Kelpers finished on a modest but defendable 96 for 4 after the end of their allotted 20 overs. HMS Nottingham were immediately in trouble at the start of their innings and were all out for 54.
The final of the Twenty20 Knock-Out competition between MPA and the Kelpers is scheduled for March, when the matches in the Falklands Cup (the Twenty20 league) will also be played. The first match in the South Atlantic Ashes series between the Governor’s X1 and the CBFs X1 was scheduled for Saturday, January 26th, starting at 12 noon at the MPA Oval.
Junior Cricket
Junior cricket continues to expand with the start of an indoor junior league with 5 teams as a joint venture of the Community School, the Leisure Centre & FICA. The outdoor junior training sessions have seen good numbers turning up and there is to be a 4-match outdoor series leading up to our proposed Under-17 tour of Chile in April.
Full postSchools cricket grows in Chile
Delegates from Chile’s cricket playing schools, along with development staff, met in Santiago on December 28, 2007 to review the year’s activities and plan ahead for the next 12 months
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Delegates from Chile’s cricket playing schools, along with development staff, met in Santiago on December 28, 2007 to review the year’s activities and plan ahead for the next 12 months. Eight delegates representing a total of twelve schools attended the meeting – the first of its kind in Chile. High on the agenda was a review of the inaugural Homework Club School Cricket League, which was launched last September in an attempt to encourage more children to take the step up from softball to hardball cricket. The initiative was applauded by the nine participating schools, with plans to increase the number of fixtures next year and the possibility of starting in August 2008. Several other hardball tournaments were scheduled for March to May as Chile prepares to send Under-19, Under-15 and Under-13 sides on international tours over the coming months. However, the most important detail to come from the meeting was the delegation’s decision to make 2008 the year to focus on the Spirit of Cricket and ensuring that all children have fun playing cricket and want to keep coming back. With over 2,000 children involved in Chile’s development program and an excellent development staff headed by NDO David Mauro, 2008 promises to be another good year for Chilean cricket.
From ICC Americas’ regional newsletter
Full postCosta Rica side travel to Limon
CCCR travelled to Limon on January 13 where they were greeted by two charming representatives of the Mayor who had been invited by Limon CC
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
CCCR travelled to Limon on January 13 where they were greeted by two charming representatives of the Mayor who had been invited by Limon CC. CCCR batted first on a beautiful day and made 144 for 5 in their 25 overs. Limon never recovered from a bad start, losing two wickets in the first over. After some spirited resistance they were all out in less than the allotted 25 overs. Limon CC arranged a good late lunch which was much appreciated. CCCR now lead the league.
In terms of development Richard Illingworth and Sam Arthur spent two days in the Limon area after the CCCR and Limon CC game. They covered a lot of ground, met many people and identified a number of opportunities.
Sam Arthur has started regular coaching sessions with Limon CC and has given a video presentation to the youngsters at Robleato.
From ICC Americas' regional newsletter
Full postRains delay Brazil's preparation
Plenty of January rain has kept Brazil from practising much ahead of next month’s World Cricket League Division 3 qualifying tournament in Buenos Aires
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Plenty of January rain has kept Brazil from practising much ahead of next month’s World Cricket League Division 3 qualifying tournament in Buenos Aires. It has, however, given the Brazil selectors more time to choose the side, which include a sizeable number of Brazilian born players. In all, five members will be making their debut with the squad.
Brazilian bowler Rudy Hartmann, who has played for Brazil on several previous occasions (including against the MCC when he took two wickets) has kindly been invited by the Argentine Cricket Association to stay on in Buenos Aires to play in their domestic league.
The tournament runs February 10 to 17.
From ICC Americas’ regional newsletter
Full postNew York schools trial cricket
Sixteen schools in New York will embark on a pilot program for cricket starting in April
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
Sixteen schools in New York will embark on a pilot program for cricket starting in April. They will be participating in scheduled 20-over matches, for both boys and girls.
Tryouts for the games will take place between February 11 and 29.
For further information visit the New York City Public Schools Athletic League’s website at www.psal.org
Full postCanada announces new coaching structure
The National Coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, has announced the other members of his coaching team consisting of national level coaches
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
The National Coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, has announced the other members of his coaching team consisting of national level coaches. Shaun Miller who played in England at a very high level is the Deputy National Coach responsible for Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan); Anderson Cummins, former West Indies and Canada opening bowler, will be spearheading the U19s; Farooq Kirmani who represented Canada in both the 1982 and 1986 Associates WC Qualifier in England, will be undertaking the U15s; George Codrington who played for Barbados U19 and recently represented Canada at CWC in the West Indies, will undertake the women’s program; and Geoffrey Crosse will resume his role as Technical Analyst.
Full postConfusion inside the USA
A week after Cricinfo revealed that Chris Dehring, the independent third-party appointed by the ICC to oversee US cricket, was about to appoint an auditor to oversee the executive elections, there is still no official news on what is happening
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
A week after Cricinfo revealed that Chris Dehring, the independent third-party appointed by the ICC to oversee US cricket, was about to appoint an auditor to oversee the executive elections, there is still no official news on what is happening. The USACA website has not been updated in a month and several regional administrators we have spoken to are equally in the dark about the process. Meanwhile, regions continue to elect representatives to the board while those who have been mismanaging the USACA in recent years continue to adopt a policy of silence.
Full postUganda forgives absconding players
The Ugandan government has forgiven the two cricketers who vanished in Australia when they went there to play cricket last year.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
The Ugandan government has forgiven the two cricketers who vanished in Australia when they went there to play cricket last year.
Jimmy Okello and Patrick Ochan went AWOL after the ICC World Cricket League last June and surfaced claiming political asylum because of persecution. They were subsequently banned for life by Uganda.
James Nsaba Buturo, the minister of ethics and integrity, said they were forgiven because it had been realised persecuting them would make them suffer. "We are no longer interested in them being arrested by Interpol to be brought back. They can stay in Australia if they so wish."
Full post'<em>Schiedsrichter</em>' - German for 'umpire'
Paul Baldwin, the England-born German umpire, has steadily climbed the rungs and will officiate in the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Paul Baldwin, the England-born German umpire, has steadily climbed the rungs and will officiate in the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. KR Nayar of the Gulf Times caught up with him in during the ICC Intercontinetal Cup in Sharjah.
Just before stepping out for the match, a few players asked him: "Do people play cricket in Germany?" Baldwin's prompt answer shocked them. "We have 70 teams playing every weekend and are already in the World League Division five."
Baldwin went on to impress everyone with his shrewd decision-making skills. "I was born in England. My parents were with the British forces and I moved to Germany when I was 17. I've never been to England since then," said the 34-year-old umpire who has also acted in two German movies.
How did he land up as an umpire? "I was the captain of my team, not because I was a good player, but as someone who used to do the rounds to make sure 11 players were on the bus at the right time. During matches, I also used to umpire. In fact, I once gave a decision which was disgusting," he revealed sheepishly.
Full post