Beyond the Test World
US cricket continues to lack accountability
Silence continues to be the order of the day in the USA where it is proving impossible to find out how the review of the constitution is progressing .
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
Silence continues to be the order of the day in the USA where it is proving impossible to find out how the review of the constitution is progressing.
Cricinfo has learned that the process has stalled, and it seems that is because the USA Cricket Association executive has thrown up a series of objections at the 11th hour. The exact nature of these is unknown, and the irony that the very body that tried to force through a new constitution earlier this year with almost no consultation is now stalling at the end of a lengthy and all-encompassing review is not lost on anyone.
With the review process now weeks behind schedule, it looks increasingly unlikely that national elections can be held by the end of November. That delay will mean that the USA’s long-awaited readmission to international cricket will be further stalled. Once more, grassroots cricketers suffer because of largely anonymous administrators' egos.
The few glimpses Cricinfo has had behind the scenes reveals increasing exasperation among many stakeholders at what they perceive as the relentless attempts of the existing USACA executive to remain in place regardless of the harm it does.
Full postLe Cricket
This French Life blog (no strapline or explanation necessary) have an interesting interview with Dave Szumowski, the national coach (or Entraîneur National).
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
This French Life blog (no strapline or explanation necessary) have an interesting interview with Dave Szumowski, the national coach (or Entraîneur National).
Where are the hot-beds of French cricket?
The majority of clubs are located in Ile d'France followed by the south (east and west). Aquitaine, Midi Pyrénées, Languedoc Roussillon and PACA are organised in regional associations to assist with the management and promotion of cricket in the south. The remainder of the clubs are scattered throughout France from Lille in the north to Cannes in the south. France Cricket currently has 1,000 licensed members in 50 affiliated clubs.
There are more clubs and cricketers in France that are not yet affiliated to France Cricket and the challenge is to involve them all and make everyone in France aware that cricket exists so that they can join a club. We then have to encourage all clubs to become affiliated to France Cricket so that their members can be eligible to play for the national teams and the sport can be recognised as a 'Sport de Haut Niveau' resulting in the Government releasing much needed resources. It is hoped that when licence numbers reach 2,000 this main objective can be achieved.
Full postNo increase in number of ODI countries
The ICC has said that there are no plans to extend the number of Associate members who will gain ODI status.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
The ICC has said that there are no plans to extend the number of Associate members who will gain ODI status.
On a visit to Uganda, Cassim Suliman, the CEO of the African Cricket Association, was reported as saying that he would push for more countries to be added to the six Associates that currently have one-day status. But an ICC spokesman told Cricinfo: "There is no intention at this stage to increase the number of teams playing ODIs.
Full postGuernsey and Jersey youth teams to take on Europe
Guernsey and Jersey are the two new additions to the European Under-15 and Under-17 Division One Championships for 2008
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Guernsey and Jersey are the two new additions to the European Under-15 and Under-17 Division One Championships for 2008. It is the first time more than four teams have battled for the title since the tournament began in 1999.
In 2007 Jersey won the Under-19 and Under-23 Division 2 Championships and were runner-up to Guernsey in the Under-15 Division 2 Championship. Both sides did not lose a single match, other than to one another, in any of the competitions.
The two championships will be the first real test of Guernsey and Jersey since their elevation to ICC Associate status.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for Guernsey's young cricketers to test themselves against the strongest nations in Europe at their own age group," David Piesing, chairman of the Guernsey Cricket Board said. "Young players can only benefit from playing against strong opposition and in the past couple of years these youngsters have acquitted themselves well in friendlies against Scotland and Holland so they will be keen to renew those acquaintances.
Full postFinland chosen for 2008 indoor championship
Finland will host the 10th European Indoor Championship, in Kuortane next February, ICC Europe announced today.
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Finland will host the 10th European Indoor Championship, in Kuortane next February, ICC Europe announced today.
This is the first time that the Scandinavians will host the European Indoor Championship, which made its debut in Versailles, France back in 1998. That year it was won by Portugal who went on to win the competition three times before hosting it in Lisbon in 2001.
Like Portugal, Denmark have also been crowned champions three times (2003, 2004, 2006), and the only other teams to win the competition are Greece (2005, 2002) and the Netherlands (2000).
17 ICC European member countries have competed in the competition since its inception and the 2008 Championship will include eight teams: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain.
Full postHeartlake win Etobcioke Premier Division
By Eddie Norfolk
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
By Eddie Norfolk
Heartlake Cricket Club won the Etobicoke and District League's Premier Division with a five-wicket win against Elmbank. Elmbank won the toss and decided to bat, but the innings never got into gear. A few defiant shots near the end took the total to 122, with Enos Charles taking 3 for 28.
Brampton-based Heartlake's innings was based on a solid 50 from opening batsman Eddie Williams and victory came with 23 overs to spare.
Young Titans beat Cosmos on the adjacent field at Etobicoke's Centennial Park to win the First Division.
Full postIreland to host European Division One Championship
The ICC Europe Cricket Committee (ECC) have confirmed Ireland as the host for next year's European Division One Championship
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
The ICC Europe Cricket Committee (ECC) have confirmed Ireland as the host for next year's European Division One Championship.
They lasted hosted the tournament in 2002 when 12 teams participated. In the past five years, however, six more countries have joined including Europe's four High Performance Program countries: Denmark, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. Norway - who won Division Two in 2006 - also join Italy.
The previous championship, hosted by Scotland in 2006, crowned Ireland as the European Champions and 2008's event will also feature three official one-dayers.
Meanwhile it was also confirmed that Guernsey will host the Division Two Championship in August, a six-team tournament which includes France, Germany, Gibraltar and Jersey. The sixth place will be decided later this year when Croatia meet Israel on November 18.
Full postUSACA accused of stalling once again
It is emerging that the review of the USA Cricket Association's constitution, which is the first and most important step towards the USA being readmitted to the international arena, is not going according to plan.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
It is emerging that the review of the USA Cricket Association's constitution, which is the first and most important step towards the USA being readmitted to the international arena, is not going according to plan.
The entire review has been shrouded in mystery since it was agreed on in June, but it now seems that there have been setbacks.
Cricinfo has learned that the USACA executive has raised objections to the findings of the review committee and has, according to one source, deliberately hampered the process.
Click here for the full report.
Full postIsrael and Croatia face-off
Israel will host Croatia in November for a play-off game to gain entry into the second division of the ICC’s World League tournament in 2008.
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Israel will host Croatia in November for a play-off game to gain entry into the second division of the ICC’s World League tournament in 2008.
The match, to be played on either Sunday November 11 or 18, with the Monday set aside as a rain day, is being embraced by the Israel Cricket Association, with chairman Stanley Perlman delighted at the opportunity to host an international match.
"We have been trying to host international cricket in Israel for many years now, and hope that the visit of the Croatian team will pave the way for other countries to tour in the future," Perlman said. "We will invite the Croatians to play a couple of friendly matches before the game against our national team as well."
Full postAussies run riot
Australia Under-19s walloped Malaysia by 183 runs in the first of two one-day friendlies at Kelab Aman in Kuala Lumpur yesterday
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Australia Under-19s walloped Malaysia by 183 runs in the first of two one-day friendlies at Kelab Aman in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The New Straits Times has a full report:
Four Australians posted half centuries as they compiled 306 runs in 50 overs before dismissing Malaysia for 123 runs in 43 overs.
Isaiah Borgas, batting at No 4 for Australia, knocked an elegant 81 runs off 72 balls which included seven boundaries and three sixes, Anthony Murphy chipped in with 60 off 84 balls, Tim Buzzard scored 54 and James Faulkner was unbeaten on 50.
In reply, Malaysia lost the wicket of opener Faris Almas Lee (2) in the fourth over before Shafiq Sharif (16) and Faizal Abu Hassan (8) exited cheaply as Malaysia struggled against the Australian seamers and spinners.
Full post