At last, Canada will have an annual national championship, which will pit the best players in the country against one another.

Not only that but the smaller provinces such as Mamitoba and Saskatchewan have thankfully been included and two all-stars matches are also scheduled.

Full details are included in this PDF link from the CCA.

Read More

Recent news and developments in Kenyan cricket

Andy Kirsten is the new coach of Kenya according to this report from the Daily Nation newspaper.

Domestic Results Sahara National Elite League 20/20 2007/2008 courtesy of cricinfo

Domestic Results Sahara National Elite League 50 overs competition courtesy of cricinfo

Recent news and developments in Canadian cricket.

Junior cricket in Canada has a new sponsor as reported here

Cricket being promoted in Ontario via The Ministry of Health in this report from the South Asian Focus Newspaper.

Junior initiative in British Columbia courtesy of Canada Cricket Online.

Here are the batting and bowling statistics for all six associate nations.

I will update each category as each teams completes it’s World Cup schedule.

NEPAL

Batting

Bowling

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NAMIBIA

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Bowling

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA

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Bowling

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IRELAND

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MALAYSIA

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BERMUDA

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TOP 15 BATTING AVERAGES (Min 4 Innings)

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TOP 15 BOWLING AVERAGES (Min 4 Wickets)

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TOP 15 RUNS

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TOP 15 WICKETS

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OFFICIAL STANDINGS

GLOBAL CRICKET ASSOCIATE TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

The ICC have released their annual development research participation figures for 2007.

Overall Figures (Top 20)

1. Uganda 32,923

2. Scotland 25,476

3. USA 20,054

4. Canada 19,202

5. Malaysia 13,659

6. Suriname 12,750

7. Ireland 12,322

8. Germany 12,081

9. Afghanistan 12,000 (*Approx)

10. Nepal 11,944

11. Namibia 10,473

12. Denmark 10,276

13. Vanuatu 10,025

14. UAE 8,675

15. Japan 6,913

16. Kenya 6,806

17. Indonesia 6,161

18. Guernsey 5,165

19. Holland 4,835

20. Italy 4,734

Senior/Junior Players

1. USA 15,540

2. Afghanistan 12,000 * (approx)

3. Nepal 9,750

4. Canada 9,585

5. Scotland 9,135

6. Malaysia 8,805

7. Ireland 8,055

8. UAE 5,225

9. Holland 3,585

10. Saudi Arabia 3,455

11. Vanuatu 2,505

12. Guernsey 2,225

13. Singapore 2,160

14. Indonesia 2,010

15. Denmark 1,900

16. Hong Kong 1,860

17. Nigeria 1,815

18. Japan 1,755

19. Namibia 1,720

20. Bermuda 1,590

Junior Involvement/Kanga/Kwik etc

1. Uganda 31,193

2. Scotland 16,341

3. Suriname 12,300

4. Germany 10,966

5. Canada 9,617

6. Namibia 8,753

7. Denamrk 8,376

8. Vanuatu 7,520

9. Kenya 5,891

10. Japan 5,158

11. Malaysia 4,854

12. USA 4,514

13. Ireland 4,267

14. Indonesia 4,151

15. Italy 3,849

16. UAE 3,450

17. Argentina 3,275

18. Guernsey 2,940

19. Hong Kong 2,684

20. Thailand 2,573

Largest Increases

1. Suriname + 12,120

2. Germany + 6,894

3. Scotland + 4,226

4. USA + 3,912

5. Canada + 3,696

6. Vanuatu + 3,056

7. Japan + 2,912

8. Malaysia + 2,337

9. Nepal + 2,124

10. Denmark + 2,043

11. Indonesia + 1,551

12. Bhutan + 1,435

13. Samoa + 1,158

14. Bermuda + 1,134

15. Italy + 1,034

16. Singapore + 1,010

17. Kenya + 976

18. Ghana + 965

19. Austria + 866

20. Finland + 760

The Asian Cricket Council recently interviewed star Nepal all-rounder and current Under-19 captain Paras Khadka.

Khadka is currently leading our most valuable cricketer vote for the Under-19 World Cup, so now is an appropriate time to find out more about this promising cricketer. Read More 

Leading associate batting and bowling averages at the half way stage of the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

Decent hearted cricket fans around the world are deeply disappointed that the ICC 2011 Cricket World Cup will be contested by only 14 nations instead of 16 as previously promised.

Sickeningly but not surprisingly, the ICC Chief Executives Committee have voted to cut two associate nations from the 2011 World Cup that will be co-hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Cricket is the only sport in the world that is openly discouraging countries from competing at it’s premier international event.

Soccer, baseball, rugby union, rugby league, basketball, field hockey and even ice hockey are expanding rapidly. It is the policy of these sporting organizations to showcase it’s newest members and to embrace the cultural diversity that different countries can bring to a major sporting event.

Meanwhile, cricket shoos away new countries like flies at a barbecue.

Fans shouldn’t be surprised by the decision of the ICC Chief Executives Committee.

As the title suggests, this committee is made of the 10 CEO’s from the full members. These individuals are employed by their own cricket boards, namely Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and The West Indies.

Understandably, the Chief Executive Officers have only one mandate; Look after the interests of the company that pays them and turn a tidy profit for that employer.

So why are they empowered to make decisions on behalf of the game as a whole? Why are these men allowed to have any say in matters that directly involve countries other than their own? These CEO’s can compromise the financial stability of the remaining 91 ICC members with a mere show of hands.

It is at the very least, an extremely unorthodox business practice. At worst it is a blatant conflict of interest and one that can no longer be tolerated if the ICC is to be seen as a fair, ethical and relevant sporting body.

The ICC can talk all they like about globalization, cultural diversity and the spirit of cricket but these well intentioned terms are as meaningless as a politician’s pre-election promises if the mandate is forgotten when the moment of truth arrives.

The associate and affiliate members of the ICC deserve far better.

Still, the associates and the fans weren’t the only ones fooled. The International Olympic Committee recently voted to approve the sport of cricket as an IOC member.

IOC Director of Sport Christophe Dubi recently spoke on the ICC’s website about this decision. He stated that cricket had made an effort to become more universally accepted and that this initiative was influential in the IOC’s acceptance of cricket.

What would he make of this latest development? Cricket has taken a step back by 10 years. The 2011 World Cup could actually end up being contested only by Commonwealth countries, just as it was at the first championship in 1975.

Perhaps Mr Dubi wasn’t given the entire story. Maybe the ICC should have told the IOC about this when it was first proposed several months ago.

So where to now?

The recommendation to remove two associate teams from the next World Cup goes to the ICC Executive Board, who will make a final decision on this matter in March.

The ICC Executive Board is (Surprise, surprise) made up of 10 representatives from the full members plus President Ray Mali, CEO Ex-officio Malcolm Speed and President elect David Morgan. A severely outnumbered associate voice will be represented by HRH Tunku Imran, Stanley Perlman and Samir Inamdar.

Can full members representatives Giles Clarke (England), Major General Sina lbn Jamali (Bangladesh), Creagh O’Connor (Australia), Peter Chingoka (Zimbabwe), Julian Hunte (West Indies), Sharad Pawar (India), John Anderson (New Zealand), Nasim Ashraf (Pakistan), Arjuna Rantunga (Sri Lanka) and Norman Arendse (South Africa) be trusted to make the best decision for cricket or will their own self interests prevail?

Associate and Affiliate players both senior and junior dream of the day they will represent their country at a World Cup. Coaches, volunteers and administrators in 91 non-test nations work with few accolades in the hope that they might contribute towards a World Cup mission for their players. Some nations will pin their future financial hopes on qualifying for a World Cup. The increased marketing and sponsorship opportunities, desperately needed media coverage and higher participation rates that result from a World Cup appearance are key elements if new cricketing nations are to prosper or in some cases, survive.

Removing two associate countries from the 2011 World Cup removes hope for too many. There is too much at stake for greed and self interest to win out.

The ICC Executive Board can make a brave decision that will benefit the majority of it’s members or it can bow to the old boys club that have dictated terms for far too long.

Papua New Guinea is perhaps one of cricket’s most exotic outposts. At the height of the season, thousands of cricketers, in villages and towns play the game in various shapes and forms. Some organized, some less formal.

In many areas cricket is the number one sport. Currently there are more players than facilities.

PNG probably has more hurdles to overcome than most associate nations if it is to become a top ten cricketing nation. Equipment needs to found. Facilities constructed. The issue of getting from one cricketing location to another is not to be underestimated in a country not noted for it’s highways and modern transportation systems. Sometimes the air is the best route between one town and another.

But PNG also has some fantastic advantages such as having a cricketing powerhouse on it’s doorstep.

Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence has provided coaching and training to some of PNG’s elite youngsters. Queensland cricket is also a strong supporter of the game. Some of PNG’s national players like Asad Vala are testing themselves in strong Australian club competitions and more are set to follow. A combined East-Asia Pacific side, featuring a large majority of PNG players, compete in The Australian Country Cricket Championships annually and a EAP Development squad containing a number of current PNG Under-19 representative, recently played a three match series against the Malaysian Under-19 squad, winning 2-1.

Perhaps it is not out of the question that PNG will one day participate in Australian domestic limited overs competitions like The KFC 20/20 Big Bash or the 50 over Ford Ranger Cup. Cricket Australia should be encouraged to invite it’s nearest neighbour into the fray in the future.

Surely there are exciting times ahead for PNG cricket.

But how do you roll all this promise and potential into one potent package?

Andrew Knott is the new PNG Cricket General Manager. In this interview he explains how cricket works in PNG and outlines some of the plans that will be put in place over the next few years.

Stinga: Which Provinces in PNG play cricket?

Andrew Knott: There is some form of formalised cricket in the National Capital District (Port Moresby area), Central Province, Morobe, Alotau, Popondetta and Kimbe. There are other forms of cricket being played in places such as the Trobriand Islands which are local adaptations of the game of cricket which was introduced by missionaries.

Stinga: What plans do you have to make cricket popular out of the traditional strongholds, Port Moresby, Central Province and Lae?

Andrew Knott: At the moment we are focussing on the areas which the game has a traditional foothold (as you mention above). Once these areas have become strong and self-sustaining, we will be able to spread out to other areas.

Stinga: Is the highlands region a priority?

Andrew Knott: The highlands are a region in which we would like to enter, obviously because of the large population there. Traditionally, however, this has not been a happy hunting ground for cricket development as rubgy and soccer are very strong in these areas. Most cricket has historically been played along coastal areas.

Stinga: Would you say that AFL and Rugby have been more pro-active in Rural PNG over the last 10 years?

Andrew Knott: AFL and rugby league have been quite aggressive in the rural areas and have been successful because they have been able to promote games that are naturally appealing to these people. In recent times, cricket has not been able to make the inroads that these sports have lately.

Stinga: Can you tell us about the junior development programs you have in place?

Andrew Knott: Over the last two years, the Liklik Kriket program has been very successful in the Port Moresby region. Modelled on Australian “Kanga” cricket, this program involves taking junior cricket into the villages and caters to children under 13 years of age. Parents and adults are also able to be involved through administration, coaching and umpiring. This year, Liklik will expand to settlement areas around Port Moresby where people of non-traditional cricket playing areas (such as the highlands) have settled. The Port Moresby school cricket program, Kriket Bilong Sumatin (KBS), has also been successful in reaching youngsters who would not normally come into contact with the game. KBS won the ICC’s 2005 Global Development Award for best junior development program and had over 50 teams involved in the program. KBS has both a boys and girls competition and also features formal school clinics run by our Development Officers. These clinics are well received by government schools where there is little in the way of an organised physical education program.

Stinga: How many citizens receive free to air cricket telecasts in PNG and what impact has this had?

Andrew Knott: The nation’s only free to air station, EMTV, covers some of the Australian summer of cricket and usually plays most of the triangular one day series. The one day series are extremely popular and many children take to the streets to play cricket around this time. In PNG, watching and mimicking the exploits they see on television plays a large part in their skills development.
For the first time, a PNG national team will be telecast live into PNG when EMTV broadcast highlights of our U19 team fixtures against India and South Africa.

Stinga: If PNG becomes a top six associate, it will require a ground with a turf pitch to host ODI’s and Intercontinental Cup matches. Are there plans to construct a turf pitch?

Andrew Knott: There have been plans to lay a pitch turf in PNG since last decade when Allan Border turned the first sod of a ground breaking ceremony at the Amini Park complex. Unfortunately, AB’s efforts were as far as any development went that time. Lately, there have been efforts to improve the facilities at Amini Park through the construction of Cricket Haus, where PNGCB’s current administration holds office. This year new practice nets will be erected. At the completion of this project, the current Board plan to conduct a turf wicket feasibility study and look at viable options for the development of the Amini Park complex. A turf wicket in PNG is also one of the goals of the ICC EAP 2008-10 Strategy Plan.

Stinga: What about a ground large enough to hold big crowds. Will Amini be redeveloped or should another ground be built?

Andrew Knott: With the establishment of Cricket Haus at Amini Park, the Board is looking to develop this precinct (which comprises two ovals) as the centre for PNG cricket. Port Moresby already faces a chronic shortage of sporting fields and these fields are also under threat from property development. Land ownership in PNG is not based on the Western method and this makes greenfield projects a difficult proposition to develop.

Stinga: Can you explain to us how village cricket is played in some regions? I’ve heard entire villages have been known to take to the field?

Andrew Knott: As mentioned, Trobriand Islands cricket is famous for its festivity and colour. Both men and women take to the pitch wearing only grass skirts and there is no limit to the number of players on each team. Some matches can go on for days.

Stinga: What is the format of the national championships and who competes in this tournament?

Andrew Knott: The national championships is being replaced this year by the Super Series. The Super Series will bring together the top 56 players in the nation who will compete for four teams in a series of Twenty20 and One Day fixtures. For the first time, players will be paid and cricket will take on a semi-professional attitude. The Super Series concept aims to provide the highest quality and most competitive domestic cricket competition possible within PNG, and will hopefully eliminate the lopsidedness of the national championships results seen in the past.

Stinga: One fan would like to know why so few players outside Port Moresby have made it to the national team in recent years and are rural players treated fairly in selection matter?

Andrew Knott: Many great cricketers have come from outside Port Moresby and centres such as Lae have provided the PNG national team with fantastic players.Port Moresby is a cricketing stronghold because it lies along the southern coast of PNG where cricket was introduced to the villages by missionaries. Historically, therefore, these traditional cricketing villages are within a relatively short distance from Port Moresby and have fed village cricketers into the local Port Moresby competition. The Port Moresby Cricket Association therefore remains the strongest competition in the country and includes many players and team from the Central Province area and further along the coast.

Stinga: The new participation figures for PNG showed a decline in numbers: How did the teachers strike impact these figures?

Andrew Knott: Last year’s research figures showed a decrease in junior playing numbers due to the suspension of the KBS program caused by the teachers strike. We have big plans to improve the school competition this year and improve the participation figures. The appointment of a Development Manager next month to oversee the schools comp and other junior activities will assist in improving participation rates.

Stinga: The Under-19 World Cup squad: Which players should we be keeping an eye out for at the World Cup?

Andrew Knott: The Captain, Colin Amini, is a promising batsman and off spinner who comes from blue-blood cricketing stock. Viewers will note that his bowling action is a lot like Murali. Bowlers Loa Nou, Jacob Mado and Willie Gavera will hit the deck hard and make an impression.

Stinga: The bowling looks strong: What kind of pace are we talking about in regard to Jacob Mado, Willie Gavera and Loa Nou?

Andrew Knott: Jacob, Loa and Willie are raw and fast. Loa has already opened the bowling for the PNG national team and Jacob also played for the ICC EAP rep team at last month’s Australian Country Championships. Willie has also spent some time in Australia recently at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence.

Stinga: We’ve heard exciting reports about Charles Amini jr. Is he still bowling leg breaks as reported?

Andrew Knott: Charles is one of the youngest members of the team and has great skills. At last year’s ICC EAP Under 15 Tournament he was named Player of the Tournament and snared a hat-trick. This mirrored his achievements at the previous ICC EAP Under 15 tournament two years ago when he took a hat-trick at that event as a 13 year old. Charles has been named in the U19WC squad and is a player to keep an eye on in the future.

Stinga: Ok, to future plans: If you could demand 3 things that would assist PNG cricket, what would they be?

Andrew Knott:1. Funding from the ICC equivalent to those countries in the Asia development region. 2. Further development of local coaches. 3. Greater investment in infrastructure

Stinga: What are the goals of PNG cricket in the next 10 years?

Andrew Knott: The mission of our 2006 – 2010 Strategic Plan is to qualify for the 2011 World Cup. We are currently embedded in World Cricket League 3 and must do well at the upcoming WCL3 tournament in Argentina and the subsequent ICC World Cup Qualifier to achieve this mission.

Stinga: A fan wants to know: How old is Vani Vagi Morea? His age is not listed on the major cricket sites.

Andrew Knott: Vani is 24.

Stinga: Another fan wants to know: when will Kila Pala be given an extended run in the national side?

Andrew Knott: Kila has been scoring well in the Port Moresby league this season and, along with a number of top order batsmen, is in contention for a spot in the national squad when it is named mid-year.

Stinga: Finally: Can PNG become a top 10 cricketing nation in the future?

Andrew Knott: Of course! There is no reason why PNG can’t make it to this level, although this achievement will take a lot of commitment and effort from a wide number of people over a long period of time.

For those of you who haven’t seen the PNG boys in action before or you want to see why India are one of the favourites for the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, check out this highlights package.

As I said in another post, I think these players have talent. They may be a bit raw but certainly the natural ability is there. I think you will get the idea. The Indian players are all very classy. Plenty of future stars in action.

Remember, these guys are Under-19 players. There are five 10 minute videos covering the entire match.
Link