guyanese cricketers who continue to ply their trade in Canada have made significant contributions to Cricket Canada over the years.
History shows that Canada’s participation at various tournaments organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) is periodical, but the impact the boys from the land of many waters have created has been admirable.
In the Toronto and District Cricket Association limited overs tournament, Guyanese have had great performances and have impressed the national selectors, thus gaining selection to the Canada National Team.
Additionally, several Guyanese cricketers use their exposure in Canada to enhance their skills when vying for selection to, not only the Guyana side, but the West Indies as well. The general feeling is that the exposure on foreign soil gives the cricketers immense confidence upon their return home to do well further afield.
The exposure occurs when some Guyanese play professionally in Canada before migrating, while others engage in the domestic tournament on an annual basis.
Their performances have been resounding in their competitions from third to first division.
North America and to a large extent Canada’s cricket is still on the back-burner because of what is perceived as poor administration or just lack of commitment to make the game gain prominence.
This maybe so since from the administration level, the love isn’t that strong for the game.
However, Guyanese businessmen in Canada have been putting their money where their mouths are. Their input at the administrative level can be counted as well because they have pushed hard to make dreams turn into reality.
While some other players who have excelled earlier in their careers are now coaches, and features high in authority are passing on the knowledge to mainly school and aspiring cricketers on a consistent basis who in turn welcome the efforts with open arms.
It can be said that the game of cricket is now in the hands of immigrants in Canada, but the passion and zeal can’t be found. However, their willingness has been phenomenal and their consistent representation in different formats locally is certainly incredible.
Notably, a lot of new formations to cricket leagues and organisations must be attributed to the dedication and determination that the game can be played in a systematic fashion. They have enjoyed cricket and that degree of enthusiasm is abundant.
Guyanese cricketers show their talent with bat and ball and simultaneously show ambition to take part in umpiring, coaching and match-refereeing. This is a demonstration of the finest talents that would have come out from Guyana. They excelled in every facet when it comes to cricket and Cricket Canada must be thankful for their steady generosity to make the sunshine game in North America a growing sport.
As we all know Basketball and Ice Hockey have gained tremendous popularity and they continue to take precedence, but one thing that must not go unnoticed is that the riveting Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has made many attempts to take matches to Canada and because of improper seating accommodation, which may be one of the main reasons, that idea is now on hold. Fans in Canada are asking with a feverish tone of voice, when will the Caribbean T20 fever hit Canada and this may be because what Guyanese in Canada are doing or what they are seeing on television from the Guyana-based franchise.Many businesses, inclusive of Guyanese natives in Canada have tried to implement T20 cricket owing its excitement and entertainment, but lack of cooperation financially has put a road block on it, even though is quite viable for the game’s development. With softball cricket taking a different channel, Guyanese cricketers have shown a gigantic love to be part of it. They also would have initiated most of the tournaments and some cricketing leagues hosted huge events to mark variable occasions.
One was big enough to capture the attention of cricket lovers in 2016 when Guyana of course celebrated its 50th Anniversary Independence. Teams gathered in their number to ensure that those matches are symbolic with a 50-over competition. Immigrants from other cricketing nations like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka turned up to witness some scintillating display from Guyanese cricketers young and old.
Potentially, Cricket Canada can reach as far back as World Cup assignment, but again the onus is now on the people responsible. Their last global event in 2003 limited overs tournament in South Africa was abysmal, but at least few Guyanese got the opportunity to be seen on the global stage in the beautiful game doing what they love.
With all those influences the Guyanese have, Cricket Canada must continue to utilise their input and cricketing skills for the betterment of the country’s cricket. Additionally, once a greater partnership is brokered with the government to take Cricket Canada to new heights, Canada as an ICC associate member will turn out better results on the international scene. This will only mean more competitive cricket across the globe including the West Indies, whose parent board has the responsibility to develop cricket in North America. This will be another window for Guyanese and other Caribbean cricketers to have a shot on the world stage.
