Canada aim for full strength at World Cup Qualifiers

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.

Canada were without Australia-based players, former captain John Davison and opener Geoff Barnett, amongst others. There had been conjecture that Canada were leaning towards relying on home-based players.

"As we aspire to put the best players on the field, we consider costs, tournament length, availability [of players] to train with the team ahead of the tournament etc. as key factors in addition to playing ability," said Ahuja.

"We were given to understand that for a five-day tournament, there were a few factors in the mix I just mentioned that were just not in favor of John making the squad."

Ahuja said that didn't mean Davison was not going to be part of Canada's plans for South Africa. "I think John will be in the reckoning for our World Cup Qualifier Squad."