Canada prepares for ICC Trophy

CANADA HOSTS AMERICAS 2000, ICC TROPHY 2001 & WORKS FOR ODI STATUS.

Canadian cricket again thanks the ICC Full and Associate members for their support for staging ICC Trophy 2001 in Ontario Canada. Canadian cricket development has moved significantly forward with the installation and approval of at least 10 turf squares for the ICC Trophy 2001. The tournament is slated for 30th June - July 17/18, 2001. We need your active support, now.

The ICC Trophy 2001 will see 24 nations compete for the three available open spots for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. Some games will probably be held in other countries like in Zimbabwe and in Kenya. This is the first ever ICC Trophy competition in the Americas. It may also be the last of its kind as we move towards Regional tournaments like the European, Asian, African and the Americas' Cricket Championships.

Canada would never have been able to host this massive event ( the largest cricket event in the world) were it not for the encouragement, active support and global vision of the ICC and ICC Development. Chief Executive David Richards and ICC Development czar, Dr. Ali Bacher are two of these visionaries for worldwide cricket developement.

Of even greater significance has been the financial and moral support of the Sahara Cup participants. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the IMG/TWI group were essential for our move forward. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Ehsan Mani, Bill Sinrich and Andrew Wildblood have supported the Sahara Cup series at the world renowned Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club facility. That event is slated for September 9-17, 2000 and we consider this and other such events essential for development success in Canada.

In addition to the Sahara Cup turf strips at the Toronto C.S.&C.C, new turf squares are now being used at the Maple Leaf facility in King City, where Canadian trials and Holland vs Canada games have been played. Ajax C.C. will probably be next when the M.C.C. arrives on a long awaited cross Canada tour. Similarly squares at Malton C.C. in Mississauga, and Sunnybrook and at G Ross Lord parks in Toronto will be in use shortly. Another venue at Inverhaugh C.C. just west of Toronto is also a possible site but ICC inspection and approval is necessary.

Practice facilities continue to be upgraded as well. The Qasra sports Indoor cricket facility has been in operation for many months now. Both John Shepherd and Richie Richardson, former WICB Test players were very impressed with this facility on their visit there during the inaugural Cricket Week. Facilities like this are precious and speak well for cricket development, especially for off-season and evening training of cricketers in the Toronto Ontario area.

The practice facilities of G Ross Lord park have been significantly upgraded and improved and will be ready for participating teams in the Americas' championships, ICC Trophy 2001 and of course are vital to the training and preparation of junior, senior, elite and non-elite Canadian players. This picturesque facility has been visited by numerous teams from Denmark, USA, the West Indies and by legions of sportsmen like Michael Holding. Brian Lara has himself played at this fine facility. Which facility will be the first with lights for day-night games? Will it be Ross Lord, Maple leaf, Malton or will it be the Eglinton Flats twin ovals?

Canadian cricket continues to need your physical, moral and financial support as we move upward on the International cricketing ladder. The 2001 Local Organizing Committee and the CCA's ICC 2001 Cricket and Development Committees continue to need your active support and contributions. Please feel to call any member of these committees. Secretary Calvin Clarke, Board or Executive members or other active volunteers like Eddie Bracht, Howard Petrook or Chris Chappell to offer your support or just for information.

Installation, preparation and maintenance of the turf squares are key items as we move forward. Mike Corley who was hired as a special consultant for the Sahara Cup wickets and who has been contracted to and installed all new ICC Turf squares has stated that the squares have met and exceeded expectations. We have now disproved many 'doubters'. We have demonstrated conclusively that our wickets play exceedingly well, even at this juncture. They will continue to improve even more with hands on care and with regular play.

A lot of work and local training remains to be done however. Climb aboard the ICC Trophy 2001 train, now. Canadian cricket development from the schools to international level, needs your active total support. We need you