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Home , Alec Bedser, Andy Roberts (cricketer), Brian Lara, Brian Statham, Clyde Walcott, Denis Compton

and President Barack Obama Wthite House Photo by Pete Souza , WESTERN PROVINCE, • MARCH 21 ~ 27, 2010 The powerful Western Province Region are providing the setting • Cape Town attracts around 2million for what will be a memorable and historic carnival. foreign visitors a year, and has tremen- A full program has been designed to allow players, umpires, supporters, dous infrastructure to support our wives and partners to explore the Western Cape Region, Wild Life, demands and expectations. Beaches, Walks and Wineries. The wonderful people of Cape Town are • Cape Town and its surrounds are waiting to make your stay an experience to be treasured. ranked as Africa’s family friendly city. A fantastic opportunity to play cricket in this amazing country. • With World Cup Soccer 2010 Following are the reasons you and you team should join us in Cape Town. being staged a few months after our • Western Province and Carnival, FIFA and The South African Government are injecting millions of Newlands is steeped in Rand into the area, and we will be the fi rst to experience the benefi t. history Full details on www.vintagecricket.com • Neil Watson our Com- Or contact; mittee Chairman is from World Vintage Cricket the powerful Western Province Cricket Club-organisation will be second P.O. Box 78 Snells Beach 0942, to none. Ph: 64-9-425 5294: [email protected] • The average temperature will be a barmy 68-75º. Leon Lamprecht • Cape Town will meet all our needs. P.O. Box 6478, Ventura, California 93006, USA • Cape Town- rated as the 8th Top City in the World Ph: 805 653 6555: [email protected]

2 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 American Cricketer is published by American Cricketer, Inc. Copyright 2009

Publisher - Mo Ally Editor - Deborah Ally Assistant Editor - Hazel McQuitter Graphic & Website Design - Le Mercer Stephenson Legal Counsel - Lisa B. Hogan, Esq. Accountant - Fargson Ray

Editorial: Mo Ally, Peter Simunovich, ICC, Ricardo Innis Erik Petersen, Clarence Modeste, Peter Mc Dermott Charlotte International Cricket League Washington Cricket League

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Volume 5 - Number 2

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SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 3 In this issue www.americancricketer.com Letter From The Publisher and Editor Features Mo and Deborah Ally American Crick- assured that the 5 COVER STORY eter, the lifestyle quality of life here LAKHANY PARK/ RAFI LAKHANY magazine for is indeed pleasant 24 IN RECOGNITION cricket fans, was for it reminds me AND conceptualized of South Florida in by Mo and Deb- the 1970’s. 16 PHOTO GALLERY orah Ally five years ago to I do miss my 20 STICKEY inform fans here golfing and and abroad about cricket in the United buddies and the good times we’ve spent States. at the “Ally’s 19th hole” and the Silver Cricket Lake Tennis Center. There at the tennis Living in South Florida for decades, one center Cabana after a few hours of 18 UMPIRING would never conceive that we would tennis on Saturday morning we would THE LAWS OF CRICKET relocate to North Carolina. Florida hold court with conversations and THE PREAMBLE - THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET being one of the largest cricket centers arguments on politics and point-by-point PROFESSIONAL CRICKET in the United States of America, much reassessments of the games we almost 26 UAE TO STAGE EXPANDED ICC WT20 2010 like New York and Southern California, won. Truly the humor was at its best for QUALIFIER IN OCTOBER is where cricket is predominately played each hour spent there the conversations and information is easily acquired to would become louder and louder. 27 ICC WORLD COMES TO A TV SET inform readers of this lifestyle. NEAR YOU However being a member of Gaston Indeed it was a difficult decision to Country Club I’ve met some great people USA CRICKET move to Gastonia, North Carolina. who are extremely serious golfers. If 8 THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE USA U-19 However after several trips over the there is any such thing as “calypso” TOURNAMENT years, it became apparent that moving these guys are not in it for they are far 11 LOCKERBIE GIVES ICC A FRESH PERSPECTIVE at this time was a good move. Good too serious, contrary to the tennis players ON AMERICAN CRICKET inasmuch as I lost my full time Editor, who seem to be easy going when they Deborah Ally, who is now the President are off the court. Here during the game 13 ICC KEEN TO INSTALL IPL MODEL IN USA of United Way of Gaston County, but as mad as you may get missing a point, don’t worry she’s still the Queen “B” you will hear “oh fiddlestick” and not WOMEN’S CRICKET of American Cricketer, that is Queen of like the boys in Miami who normally are 21 ICC AMERICAS WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2009 billing. much more assertive in their description of the missed shot. 22 ECB APPOINT AHLYA FATEH TO SHAPE MARKETING I knew that the Mid Atlantic League OF WOMEN’S CRICKET has over 36 teams and the Charlotte Overall I would say this is a fantastic ECB APPOINT JANE STICHBURY AND RACHAEL International Cricket Club is a young move for I am accessible to New York, HEYHOE FLINT AS SPECIAL ADVISORS progressive club, what I did not know is Washington, New Jersey, Atlanta and how convenient it is for me to be located many other regions of cricket on the 23 FESTIVAL CRICKET within minutes from the cricket ground Eastern seaboard. I sincerely hope to VINTAGE CRICKET CAPE TOWN CARNIVAL where league matches are played on keep you up to-date with the itinerary Saturdays and Sundays. for cricket in the Mid Atlantic Region, 5 INTERNATIONAL CRICKET South East Region and the New York OBAMA GETS LESSON FROM BRIAN LARA Truly it was a pleasant surprise and Region. I love it for I am back playing a 14 YOUTH CRICKET few matches with my new team the Mo Ally - Publisher MONTGOMERY COLLEGE VS CARDINAL GIBBONS Charlotte International Cricket Club. [email protected] THE TALE OF TWO TEAMS The competition is extremely keen 15 CRICKET PERSONALITIES with a 35 over format. Cricket is a Deborah Ally - Editor SIR ARRESTED mysterious game here for none of the [email protected] natives have even heard of the game, so SOUTH ASIAN CORNER it is up to us to introduce this gentleman 29 THE INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE sport to the area.

30 SEHWAG INJURY CONCERNS FOR TEAM Coming to North Carolina is like reviving one’s life. The people are educated, soft spoken, extremely friendly and display true southern hospitality. One can be

4 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 INTERNATIONAL CRICKET Obama gets lesson from Brian Lara

U.S. President Barack Obama had a busy schedule at last weekend’s Summit of the Americas in , and even learned how to ‘bat in his crease’.

He carried a message that America is ready to change, suggested that U.S. policy on Cuba is out of date and needs an overhaul and appeared to mend fences with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has been one of Washington’s most vocal critics.

But one of Obama’s more memorable encounters had nothing to do with hem- ispheric politics.

At the Trinidad Hilton where Obama was staying, he met the world’s greatest Brian Lara showing U.S. Present Barack Obama a few pointers cricketer, ’s own Brian Lara and Lara’s daughter, Sydney. Lara presented the American leader And the international cricket icon The private meeting happened Sunday, with an autographed , then showed Obama that in politics as well according to Ali Khan, the hotel’s showed him how to use it in defence as cricket, the secret to success is to general manager. and attack. always bat inside one’s crease.

SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 5 Scope Cover Story

Lakhany Park / Rafi Lakhany Mo Ally

astonia and surrounding county in the region and it is GGaston Counties are starting to see new growth as people picturesque. There are many rediscover downtown Gastonia. It beautiful cities in the county like has an ideal economic incentive Cramerton, Dallas, Mt. Holly just for business development. Gaston to name a few but Belmont with County offers a wonderful array of its tree lined streets and beautiful gardens, parks, historic sites and gardens, is where the residents feel shopping malls that make Gastonia their city surpass the others with one of the best places to live in the mere quality of life they offer. North Carolina.

Gastonia, North Carolina with a One would never know that in population of 71,000 had a positive this is played every growth of 5% since 2000. It is Saturday and Sunday at Lakhany located in the South Western Rafi Lakhany Park since the 1980”s. The Mid corner of NC and bordering the businesses, restaurants, boutique shops, Atlantic Cricket League is fortunate state of South Carolina. Gastonia is the and other unique businesses. There is to use this private facility for all their premier city in the Charlotte metro area, also a major industrial development scheduled matches. and offers tremendous opportunities for underway in the surrounding area. prospective entrepreneurs. Downtown Gastonia’s renovation is attracting new Gaston County is the second largest Continued on page 7

Lakhany Park, Gastonia, North Carolina

6 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 Continued from page 6

Charlotte International Cricket Club and Charlotte Lions

Mr. Rafi Lakhany was born in weekend cricket matches. However, and educated in the United States. Rafi’s Here the family, with several friends their prerequisite for teams playing at parents migrated from India to Pakistan from Charlotte, socializes on weekends this facility is to refrain from abusive and then their final move was to the playing cricket and feasting on native language and alcohol consumption. United States. dishes. As senior players they enjoy A true cricket aficionado he honed his their festival games on Sundays and after When asked what is his opinion on the skills as a batsman during his school being regular players now they resort to recent tragedy of a few gunmen shooting boy days of playing cricket in his native a few friendly matches. the cricket team Mr. Lakhany country. In the United States said “it is indeed a tragedy Rafi went to a University since cricket is the national in Pomona California and sport of Pakistan and there graduated as an Industrial is not much entertainment Engineer. for the people for cricket is their passion”. He feels this However, Rafi’s father was a will set back cricket a decade textile giant in Pakistan and the in Pakistan and is indeed family agreed that he would sad for the true fans of this be happier in his retirement gentleman’s sport to suffer to be in the textile capital of the consequences of a few the world North Carolina. In disgruntled people. 1977 the Lakhany’s bought Francois, Anil, Roger at Lakhany Park approximately 50 acres of land In September for the Labor Day in Gastonia and being from a cricket weekend American Cricketer and United family Rafi joined his two brothers Ike The Lakhany family is now primarily Way of Gaston County will be hosting and Munaf in their decision to build their watching cricket but allow the league a 4-team 20/20 match to introduce the field of dreams “a cricket ground”. of the Mid Atlantic region to use the game to our American friends, many of facilities. The Mid Atlantic League whom are not familiar with the game The Lakhany’s are entrepreneurs; his consists of 30 teams from Raleigh, that is being played in their backyard. father was a businessman and so are his NC to Columbia, SC and two games three sons. In Gastonia they started their per week are scheduled to be played at American Cricketer in conjunction with own business and shortly there after they the Lakhany ground during the cricket United States Cricket Association would monopolized the apparel business with season. like to thank and recognize Mr. Rafi younger members of the family running Lakhany for his immense contribution their retail outlets. Rafi became the The complete maintenance is handled for the development of cricket in the Mid wholesaler and importer of apparel by the Lakhany family, and Ike told Atlantic Region. selling to J.C Penny, Wal-Mart, Kmart me that Rafi is meticulous to make sure and many other chain stores. the grass is clipped every Thursday for SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 7 The ups and downs of the USA U-19 Tournament Dream Cricket USA / Peter Della Penna The four day USA Under-19 thing I've seen is the field- National Tournament con- ing and the wicketkeeping," cluded on Monday evening said Clifford Hinds, the at Gateway Park in Brook- Under-19 National Tourna- lyn, N.Y. and there are defi- ment Director and Youth nitely some promising signs Cricket Director for the that cricket in America has New York Cricket Region. tremendous potential to suc- "These kids of course at ceed at the international lev- their age are very energetic, el. The general consensus is but in addition to that, you that the standard of play was can see they are putting 100 exceptional among the eight percent effort into the tour- teams. nament."

"At this age when I used to However, the young talent play back home in Jamai- Winners - North Western Region team needs help off the field to be ca, I wasn't this talented," said Franklyn in the department with his leg able to thrive on it. The biggest respon- Rose, coach of the South West Region spin. sibility is on the USACA administration. team. "To see the kids with so many tal- ents in the USA, we need to do something Atlantic Region's Muhammad Asad "Never before have we had so many tal- for these kids so it's a pleasure for me to Ghous took home the series MVP award ented players to work with," said Shelton be coaching the South West team." at the end of the tournament for his three Glasgow, the Atlantic Region's represent- half-centuries despite losing the final to ative on the USACA board. "I have been Several other current or former interna- the North West Region. Ghous scored 75 associated with cricket in this region for tional players were in attendance at the in the first match against South East, 93 in a long, long time but never before have I final, which was played in front of about the match against North East and 55 in the seen so many talented players in this age 500 spectators at a dedicated cricket final against North West. group. We are on the right track." ground a few miles away from JFK Air- port. Now that the tournament, featur- The tournament also witnessed sterling Atlantic Region finished runner-up ing over 100 players, is complete, only performances by Greg Sewdial, Lekiram As far as on the field improvements are 14 will be selected to represent the US Latchman, Keon Lake, Regis Burton and concerned, several were already on dis- Under-19 team which will go to Canada Casper Davis Jr. of New York; Azurdeen play. Sujesh Pulikkal, coach of the tourna- later this year to try and qualify for the Mohamed, Rasheem James, Andrew Ajo- ment champion North West Region team, Under-19 World Cup in in 2010. dhi and Zainali Sayyed of North East; believes that one of the major reasons his Abhijeet Joshi and Saminda Siriwardena team came out on top this year, and a key "There's a lot of very talented youths of Central East; Karthik Vittala of Central for all teams in the future, is improving here," said Zamin Amin, former West; Steven Taylor, Mohammad Sheikh, fitness. The finalists played 4 matches in of the US national team. "I know the se- Vaibhar Nayar, Gaston Walker and Zach- as many days. lectors are going to have problems pick- ary Sattaur of South East; Gurpreet Sand- ing 14 people, but that's a good thing." hu, Salman Ahmad and Mevan Fernando "Fitness is important because it gives you of South West; Henry Wardley, Charran concentration and focus," said Pulikkal. Overall, there were several very impres- Singh, Nisarg Chokshi, Yash Shah and "We wanted to make sure whoever en- sive performances in the tourna- Akash Pathak of Atlantic; and Saad Khan, ters the field are super fit so that you don't ment, including two impressive half- Vinay Suri, Zulkifl Nana and Shiva Vash- get burned out. Most of these kids, only centuries from Ryan Corns (97 against S. ishat of North West. two are rotated, the rest of the nine guys California, 82 against Central East) of the played all four days." That is a big step Central West Region team and a But the players were not just cricketers. up for many of the players involved, who by Saqib Saleem (108* against Central Their demonstrated the athleti- usually only play one match a weekend West and 51 in the final against Atlantic) cism they possess. for their local club team, but will have of the tournament champion North West "In the tournament, the most impressive Region team. Saqib was also successful Continued on page 10 8 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 9 Continued from page 8 was less than what was expected. "I'm a little disappointed that we didn't have greater demands placed on their bodies more people, but of course this is a hol- for tournaments such as this and for the iday weekend," said Hinds. "But at the qualifying rounds in Canada for the Un- same time, New York draws the biggest der-19 World Cup. crowd in cricket." Hinds believes that greater patience and "Normally at an event like this there discipline are key to success down the are a lot more people," said Amin, who road. "It's a 50 over game and a lot of lives in Long Island. "Cricket in gen- times, the kids go out there and are bat- eral in the New York area, it could be ting as if it's a 20 over game," said Hinds. junior or senior, I have seen a lot more people at big games." Franklyn Rose took a different angle, say- ing that patience over the long term will Saqib rejoices after a shot. also be crucial for the development of He was the backbone of the NW per- the kids. "Hopefully these kids will keep Runner ups - Atalantic Region formance. on playing and have the pa- Simple record keeping and statistics are was supported by one tournament , tience." a very basic and fundamental part of keep- who confirmed that a scheduling blunder ing track of any sport. Although summary meant that no umpires were there for the reports and live text updates were provid- scheduled starting time of the match. ed by this website, it was surprising to see that no detailed scorecards or statistics for Vinay Suri played a key role in the final the tournament were available anywhere The talent on display over the course of on the internet. Tournament program with the Memorial Day weekend at the US- rosters were not available to media who ACA Under-19 National Tournament showed up for the tournament final on confirmed what everyone in the US crick- Monday. Even on the USACA website, et community already knows. With more there was no published roster for one of organizational bandwidth and financial the squads, the North East Region. resources supplementing the passion of Shiva Vashishat hold the silverware the volunteer army that has kept cricket Speaking with Don Lockerbie, the newly alive, any US team on the field will be a Another obstacle is making sure the kids appointed CEO of USACA, he stated that force to be reckoned with in the interna- who are playing cricket now stay in- fixing this was one of his main objec- tional arena. volved and are not swayed away by the tives. Lockerbie wants to make it manda- financial lure of other sports in America. tory that all USACA registered leagues A lot of hope and expectation has been put maintain a proper statistical database for on Lockerbie to get these things in order. "It's very hard to influence kids," said all matches. This is crucial to ensuring He took an opportunity at the post-match Rose, who played 19 Tests and 27 ODIs that the players who are performing get trophy presentation to deliver a message for the West Indies. "Everyone wants to the proper recognition towards achieving to all the players and families in attend- play , football, baseball. Eve- higher honors and a chance to represent ance. He wants the USA to make it to the ryone wants to make the big bucks. You their region or the United States in the fu- 2015 World Cup in Australia and New have to have patience. I waited for my ture. Separately, DreamCricket.com has Zealand and these Under-19 players hold turn before I played at the highest level initiated a project to collect the scorecards the key to making that dream a reality. for the West Indies. I understand these and database them. kids who are playing cricket in Ameri- "You are the foundation of our future," ca, it's going to be hard, it's going to be Another problem was the inability to have said Lockerbie. "In six years, we hope tough. But I'm begging these kids, just matches start as scheduled. Several play- to also be in the 2015 World Cup. In six wait. America is going to be playing at the ers complained about matches not start- years, you guys will be old enough to highest level one day. These kids are good ing on time or being held up for various be on that team. So work hard, take this enough to compete against the best teams reasons. All-American opportunity, this chance in the world." to play in the finals, to win the finals, to "Yesterday we had a game with no match be runner-up, go for it hard because the The tournament was organized entirely referee," said one player. The teams were future of US cricket is bright and we're by volunteers and on a tight budget, for on the field doing their warm-up by 9:30, going places." which all the organizers must be com- but that energy was wasted because they mended. However, several areas need to had cooled down well before the match (Peter Della Penna can be contacted be improved for staging similar events eventually started. This player's account through Twitter @DPMilGaya.) in the future. First, the spectator turnout

10 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 Lockerbie gives ICC a fresh perspective on American cricket DreamCricket / Peter Simunovich

in a qualifying round for next year's new administration and a new outlook, international limited over tournament. much to the satisfaction of the ICC. It was a major breakthrough for the Americans who are now already in the The meeting gave Lockerbie the chance process of gathering data and looking at to show the ICC that the US now had players to select the best possible squad a timetable, a strategy, a budget and a to compete in the tournament. It has also dream to play with the best countries put the US Cricket Association (USACA) in the world was now reachable. The in a position to start looking for a full time dysfunctional and controversial days are coach and coaching panel. well and truly in the rear vision mirror.

Lockerbie and the US delegation had "The next step is to get full membership well over 10 meetings with the ICC with the ICC," Lockerbie said. Donald Lockerbie - USACA's CEO representatives - as a committee and privately - and showed the new American Since Lockerbie took over the USACA USA Cricket Association CEO Don perspective and face on cricket. administration on April 1 the US has Lockerbie has successfully completed planned several possible contests and what long time observers believe is the "We had to re-introduce US cricket, a new tournaments, which will be announced in most important meeting between an orientation and to start things fresh," he due course. American cricket administrator and the said in an interview with DreamCricket. International Cricket Conference last com. "After the meetings I felt energized." Lockerbie said the US had to find the best week in Dubai. players possible to try to qualify for next Lockerbie is now looking forward to the year's tournament. For Lockerbie and the US the meeting was ICC general meeting with all members in an enormous success where he actually London in June so he can again present "We have to build on this. We now have to sat down face to face, shook hands and the US case and show just how far it has find the proper sponsorship and corporate talked frankly about the US' new role in come from the old days. belief that we are a good match," he said. cricket. It was only a few years ago that the He added: "All past differences have been The most important decision to come USACA was suspended twice by the put to the right and we have to find the out of the meeting was that the US had ICC and viewed cricket in the US as best team on the field. We have to instill a been given the green light by the ICC's controversial and dysfunctional. Now the new selection process. We are not a dream development committee to take part US has had an election, a new board is team yet, but we need to find it." running the game, a new constitution, a

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Then and Now 1880 SICC 2008 ICC SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 11 12 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 ICC keen to install IPL model in USA Ajay S Shankar

The ICC has advised cricket officials in Initially, to get the league going, they can man who signed up Sir America to install an IPL model to capi- have more foreign players in a playing as consultant and former players like talise on the Twenty20 boom and gener- XI, more than the four allowed in an IPL Inzamam-ul-Haq and for a ate funds for the game’s grassroot devel- team. Then, as the league picks up inter- six-team league to be staged in October in opment in the USA, IS Bindra, the ICC’s est, they can look at increasing the local New York City. principal advisor, said. element.” Bindra said that a “large market” for The ICC told United States of America Bindra, who has been specifically tasked cricket exists in the US - with its immi- Cricket Association (USACA) to set up by the ICC to develop cricket in the US, grant Indian, Pakistani and West Indian such a league “as fast as they can” during said he would pursue the idea with US- population - that has not been fully uti- a meeting in January that was attended by ACA officials during a meeting in Dubai lised. Bindra and Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief on May 17 and 18. executive. “There have been some ad-hoc attempts “What we are looking at is a top class to organise some leagues and events in “We suggested during that meeting that event that will be fully backed by the the US, but none of them happened on an they organise a Twenty20 league based ICC and will have some top international official platform and were poorly planned on the successful IPL model,” Bindra told players,” he said. “As we see it, many efforts,” he said. “Now, we have a Twen- Cricinfo. “Like IPL, they should look international players, except those from ty20 boom worldwide and we need to at private ownership for teams, each of , are usually free from May to capitalise on that. which can have a mix of foreign and local September. This space could be utilised.” players. Twenty20 is the nearest cricket can come When asked to baseball in terms of time, excitement about the Ameri- and even glamour. It’s the closest cricket can Premier can come to having an American flavour League (APL), an and we have to move in now.” unofficial private venture which Official cricket in the US has largely been unveiled its plans a stop-start affair with the local governing in March, Bindra body rendered ineffective since the early said a success- 1990s due to large-scale infighting. The ful official model USACA was twice suspended by the ICC was always the for its dysfunctional administration and best response. “I readmitted into the official fold only last feel that regula- year after elections were held. tion is not the only way to curb Bindra said that the USACA, which is unapproved ven- headed by Gladstone Dainty, a business- tures. man, is now on the track to stability, espe- cially with the recent appointment of Don You need to have Lockerbie, COO and venue development a successful alter- director of the 2007 World Cup in the native, too, like West Indies, as its chief executive. “The how the BCCI time is right now to plan the big step for- developed its Pre- ward,” Bindra said. mier League as a viable model (to the ICL).”

The APL is being organised by Jay Mir, a business-

SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 13 YOUTH CRICKET - WASHINGTON D.C. Montgomery College vs Cardinal Gibbons - The tale of two teams DreamCricket USA Two American School Teams - one, its Montgomery showed its batting firepow- members born in America and moved to The team began playing on May 16 in er in the recent American College Cricket cricket, the other Team's members were a brand new area youth league. League Championship by accumulating scores born in cricket and moved to America. matches are held in Baltimore, Prince of 223 for 5 off 20 overs, 216 for 7 off Together they are symbols of what could George's County and in Northern Vir- 19 overs, and 175 for 3 in 20 overs. Styl- be the future of Cricket in America. ginia. ish and consistent Danish Ashgar, Series MVP Mohamed Khamran,Captain and On May 31st 2009, they come together in On the other hand National Champi- all-rounder Adil Bhatti, Ankit Sehgal and a day of firsts - the first American College ons Montgomery College is made up of Sadiq Naseer were outstanding. Cricket Champions Montgomery College players whose families immigrated from will play Cardinal Gibbons High School major cricket playing countries such as Their batting, even on rain-slick outfields in a Cricket Match (20 overs) in Mary- Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Though made it easy for their Bowlers as batting land. comprised of experienced players, it did first MC always put up a daunting total. not even exist before the Championship. It would probably be better for Cardinal Montgomery College won the American Gibbons to bat first. But the College's College Cricket Spring Break Champi- Maryland reporters contacting the Col- bowlers are not to be underestimated, onship, which took place March 2009 lege after the victory were told by sur- bowling out the strong University of in Florida and garnered American main- prised college officials that they were not South Florida Team in the Finals for only stream Media attention from the New aware of the existence of a cricket team. 120 runs. York Times and Sports Illustrated as well Once the school found out about the team, worldwide including India, England, Montgomery College has been supportive Cardinal Gibbons' best players are tal- Australia, and Pakistan. and celebratory. ented athletes some of whom also excel in other sports: The Captain Jon Marshall The Cardinal Gibbons High School is Captain Adil Bhatti was invited to ad- RH batsman is on the school's baseball made up of Americans whose families dress students about his teams' victory, team. Will Berkey, vice Captain and RH are NOT from the major cricket-playing and according to Bhatti the school is en- batsman is on the school's golf Team. countries. Started by 19 players, none of couraging the creation of a Cricket Club. whom had played cricket before last year. Montgomery College wants to repeat as Will Foy RH batsman is a member of the Most of the players are honor students, champions at the 2010 American college school's Lacrosse team. Don Erdman, RH and some had not played a high school Cricket Spring Break Championship, is a Pace bowler who can also bat and sport before this. "Many students have contacted me, want- Justin Bruchey, RH batsman and wicket- ing to play cricket," Bhatti said. keeper. Though new to the game, the players have learned much; and are a very committed The road to the championship was dif- However it will be tough for the Cardinal group, having each paid $100 to cover the ficult for the Montgomery team whose Gibbons guys, after all the Montgomery team's start-up expenses. They sometimes members were "all from Gaithersburg, guys looked like a professional machine must endure the taunts of their friends, Rockville, Germantown and Silver in the American College Cricket Spring but truly believe in the mission of spread- Springs," Bhatti said. Break Championship. ing youth cricket in the U.S.Recently, the American-born players were joined by "We couldn't find places to play and When asked what he thought of the up- two new players, one from South Africa were constantly being chased from tennis coming match the ACC Championship and another from Jamaica. courts and any open space where we tried MVP Khamran was appreciative of the to play cricket. Mostly we played with attention he and the MC Team has been Jamie Harrison of Cardinal Gibbons MRI tennis balls to avoid causing dam- recieving, saying 'I'm so thankful that the School is the program director, and two age." American College Cricket Champion- former international players from Barba- ship happened, to give us the chance and dos, Gregory Alleyne and Trevor Roberts, The match will be very interesting and I think its great what's happening at Car- coach the squad. meaningful, pitting players with crick- dinal Gibbons so when Lloyd suggested eting pedigree (Montgomery College) giving them a shot at us, we were all for The school is very supportive of cricket, against athletes who are relative newcom- it." with the sport beginning to be taught in ers to the game (Cardinal Gibbons). P.E. classes this school year. Continued on page 15

14 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 Continued from page 14 Suchit Laheri, a key Montgomery player CRICKET PERSONALITIES said "I admire the fact that the Gibbons guys are willing to take us on." US billionaire Allen Stanford arrested The game is a significant event in Ameri- IANS can sports as it's another step in cricket's exas billion- The financer is accused of having lured return to the American sports landscape aire Sir Allen investors for years with improbably which it abdicated over 100 years ago. StanfordT turned high returns on certificates. Instead, Also coming as it does just after the Na- himself in to US the money was allegedly invested in tional Under 19 Tournament to select a authorities af- risky real estate schemes and financial Team to represent the US in the in Cana- ter charges were products. da this July, the Cardinal Gibbons players brought against have the opportunity to catch the eye of him over alleged Stanford, who was mainly based in the USA Cricket. fraud. Caribbean tax haven of Antigua, earlier Sir Allen Stanford rejected all accusations and denied any For their part the Montgomery College Stanford, 58, gave himself up to the wrongdoing. players are enjoying being the Ameri- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) can College Cricket Champions as they in Virginia late Thursday, CBS news embark on a series of matches over the reported. He is expected to appear in a coming months. Next is a game against federal court on Friday. the NYC Public High Schools All Stars on June 20, at Gateway Park in Brooklyn. It remained unclear what criminal charges Stanford faces. The US "I read that the ICC is allowing the US Securities and Exchange Commission to take part in the World T20 Qualifier in brought civil charges against the October so this is a very exciting time for billionaire’s Stanford Financial group a young American cricket player." Adil over an alleged Ponzi-scheme fraud Bhatti said. worth more than $8 billion.

SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 15 ICC Americas Women Championship

Trinidad & Tobago Development XI squad Dirce Yuli in action bowling for Argentina against the USA

Argentina celebrate a wicket Brazil squad

Bermuda squad Sheryl Tittlemeir in action for Canada

16 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 Chamber Networker at McKenny Chevrolet opening

Gaston Chamber of Commerce Montcross Chamber of Commerce Chamber Networker

Selvyn Ceaser USACA Rep. for Carleton having fun Danny’s Birthday Womens Cricket

Danny’s Birthday Danny’s Birthday

SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 17 THE LAWS OF CRICKET THE PREAMBLE - The Spirit of Cricket Clarence Modeste

the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The to fear from the Laws, indeed they can umpires may intervene at any time and it ensure they have an enjoyable match and is the responsibility of the captain to take the camaraderie that their participation action where required or where requested deserves. by an umpire. The Laws require umpires to intervene in cases of: The umpires and scorers too have a right to enjoy their participation in the game. • Time wasting But to emphasize again, both the Preamble Clarence Modeste • Damaging the pitch and the Laws make it emphatically • Dangerous or unfair bowling clear that it is the responsibility of the The game of cricket owes much of its • Tampering with the ball captains to ensure that a cricket match is appeal to the fact that it should be played • Any other action that they consider to conducted within the spirit and traditions within the Laws but, also, it is expected be unfair of the game. to be played with the spirit of the game. “Any action which is seen to abuse this The Spirit of the Game Involves The Laws make it clear that cricket is spirit causes injury to the game itself. Respect for: a game for the players. The Preamble The major responsibility for ensuring the • Your opponents makes clear the role of the umpires. They spirit of fair play rests with the captains.” • Your own captain and team are the sole judges of fair and unfair play • The role of the umpires and are required to intervene in the match Two of the Laws of cricket place • The game’s traditional values either by invitation, when an appeal is responsibility decisively on the captains made, or when required to do so under for ensuring that the game is conducted IT IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE the Laws. within the Spirit of the Game as well as GAME TO: within the Laws. Law 1:4 states that “The • To dispute an umpire’s decision by Recent incantations of the Laws of cricket captains are responsible at all times for word, action or gesture place new emphasis on the game being ensuring that play is conducted within the • To direct abusive language towards an conducted in accordance with its spirit spirit and traditions of the game as well as oppenent or umpire and traditions. As the sole judges of fair within the Laws.” • To indulge in cheating or any sharp and unfair play, if either umpire considers practice, for instance: an action, not covered by the Laws, to And Law 42:1 states, “The responsibility • To appeal knowing that the batsman is be unfair, he/she shall intervene without lies with the captains for ensuring that appeal and, if the ball is in play, shall play is conducted within the spirit and • To advance towards an umpire in an call and signal dead ball and implement traditions of the game, as described in the aggressive manner when appealing corrective action through the captain of Preamble--The Spirit of cricket, as well • To seek to distract an opponent the side concerned. as within the Laws.” either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unecessary Cricket has a history and reputation for fair PLAYER’S CONDUCT. noise under the guise of enthusiasm play and it is the duty of all participants In the event of a player failing to comply and motivation of one’s own side. that this be maintained. Cricket’s with instructions by an umpire, or continuing and increasing popularity criticising by word or action the decisions VIOLENCE depends all participants making sure that of an umpire, or showing desent, or There is no place for any act of violence good sportsmanship, historically attached generally behaving in a manner which on the field of play. to the game, is nurtured and built on. bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report Captains and umpires together set the tone Reference: Tom Smith’s New Cricket Umpiring And Scoring the matter to the other umpire and to the for the conduct of a match. Each player is player’s captain, and instruct the captain expected to make a contribution toward to take action. this. When players follow and adhere to the Spirit of Cricket they have nothing According to the Laws the umpires are 18 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 19 DARK DAYS OF WORLD CRICKET! K.C.S. Rao visiting team. Is this the level of security Tennis as a ‘Royal Game’, both appear to Pakistan provides to their President? have lost their identity. Who is responsible for such a state of affair...? May be the International Cricket Conference (ICC), introduction of professionalism at all levels the governing body for world cricket in these games is partly responsible. More should make a note of certain issues money going to players and administrators surrounding cricket bodies in the world. make them more arrogant. Earlier, players It is high time they regulate the game to were playing for honor – representing the K.C.S. Rao weed out bad elements. country was considered one of the greatest honors. Administrative positions in Sports In this context, let’s look into the history governing bodies were once honorary ombs hurled at the Sri Lankan of sub-continent cricket. Both India and positions without any remuneration. Also, national cricket team in Pakistan B Pakistan got Independence from British players were playing within the framework injuring quite a few players. The Stanford Rule on the same day in 1947. Both the of the rules and were strictly obeying the scandal financially hurt some cricketers countries continued to play cricket. In rules. Now-a-days, they not only challenge and ultimately resulted in the cancellation India, Cricket was by an autonomous the rules but try to influence the change of of the Stanford Cup tournament. body, independent of the Government. But rules. in Pakistan, from day one, the government It is a pity that the Indian Cricket Board of Pakistan indulged in it and brought American Cricketer and its readers could not conduct its tournament (IPL) in politics in administering this game. wholeheartedly condemn such cowardly its own backyard due to security reasons. ’s (PCB) decisions acts carried out in Pakistan on cricketers. A Test venue in West Indies being declared are always influenced by the Prime Cricket, like any other sport, provides unplayable because of poor ground work Minister and President of Pakistan. Even entertainment to the general public. – These and many, many more incidents the national team selection is influenced Players put in a lot of time and effort make us to believe these are the Dark Days by the government in Pakistan. Pakistan’s and make personal sacrifices to reach a of World Cricket! national politics have always been suspect certain level to represent the country and and that filtered into the game. provide entertainment. No game should The recent incident in Pakistan where a be allowed to be played in any country visiting national team from Sri Lanka was To avoid tragedies like this happening where the country cannot provide adequate brutally attacked makes one wonder as to again in the world of cricket, ICC should protection for the safety of the players and what has come to this world! Sportsmen de-recognize the cricket boards controlled the audience. getting attacked never heard of, except in by their governments. Sports bodies Helsinki Olympics. This particular team should be independent of the government, It is high time the world governing bodies from Sri Lanka went to Pakistan to bail out and cricket administration is no exception. of these games should consider taking Pakistan and entertain the audience. drastic action against violators. To start off Not long ago, a Test match in England ICC should (a) de-recognize the national Because of political unrest prevailing in against Pakistan was called off; Pakistan boards which are not independent of their Pakistan, no foreign cricket team wanted Government interfered in this issue instead government; (b) suspend the nations where to venture playing in Pakistan. Cricket, of leaving the decision to the administrators such incidents occurred for a year or two along with field hockey are Pakistan’s of the game. from participating in international events; popular game. We can even say their and (c) not authorize tom, dick and harry national game. When all the scheduled In India, the Cricket Board is unable to holding tournaments and not fulfilling their foreign teams withdrew their commitment hold its tournament (IPL) within India for promises to the players, such as payment to play in Pakistan, Sri Lanka went out of security reasons. of fees, etc. the way and obliged to play in Pakistan to entertain the public. A very sportive In West Indies, a test match between West There are more Stanfords of smaller scale gesture! Instead of being appreciated, the Indies and England was called of after that hurt the game throughout the world. team was attacked, players were injured. playing a few overs as the ground was unfit They host tournaments; fail to fulfill their What a shame! to continue the game. obligations such as full payments to the players, vendors, etc. Stanford scandal What happened to the security that was A sorry state of affairs! Cricket, once needs a column by itself and will be promised to the players? The team was known as a ‘Gentleman’s game”, and discussed in our next issue. promised Presidential level security to the

20 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 ICC Americas women’s championship 2009 USA boost play-off chances with big win Cricinfo The USA did well to recover from their With a USA boasting a top loss to Canada the previous day to put in four of former West Indies internationals, a strong performance against Argentina early were imperative for in the second match of the Americas Argentina if they wanted to fight their women’s championship triangular in Fort way back into the game. Lauderdale. However, the quality and experience of The convincing nine-wicket win kept the batting stood firm, and led by Shirley- the hosts in the hunt for the title and Ann Bonaparte’s aggressive unbeaten 55, qualification for the play-off series which comprising six fours, and 24 not out from would ensure a berth in the Women’s Candacy Atkins, USA eventually coasted World Cup qualifying tournament. to victory in the 33rd over.

The margin of victory was the exact In the other game of the day, minnows opposite of their loss against the same Brazil put in a memorable performance Trinidad & Tobago Development XI celebrate another opponents in the Twenty20 section of the even as they went down to the Trinidad wicket and the T20 title. event, earlier in the week, and was a fair & Tobago Development XI by 81 runs. In reflection of a dominant display. their first ever official event, the Brazilians have won friends and admirers for their The future of the teams now depend on courageous and enthusiastic displays, and tomorrow’s final game in the triangular, this match was no exception. between Canada and Argentina - a Canada win would in the team successfully Having bowled out T&T Development defending their regional crown, and going XI for 195, the Brazilian batsmen put in a through along with USA to the playoff spirited performance to reach 114 for 9 in series to be held later in the year. Victory their 40 overs. for Argentina would translate into a three- way tie, with qualification depending on For the T&T Development XI, Whit- net run-rate. ney Cudjoe crafted a fine of 79, while Shenelle Lord contributed with 37. Argentina’s Catalina Greloni bowling against USA After being asked to bat, Argentina got Among the bowlers, Davika Singh shone off to a nervous start, slumping to 11 with 4 for 19 while Darian Diaz took 2 for 3. However, a spirited fourth-wicket for 18. between Dirce Yuli and Catalina Greloni took them to 71 in 21 For the Brazilians, Juliana Brito put in an overs. But the experienced USA bowlers all-round perfromance, picking up 2 for turned on the pressure, and the regular fall 32 and then top scoring with 23. Carol of wickets meant Argentina were bowled Moraes bowled excellently to finish with out for 131 in 38.5 overs. 3 for 27 while Marcia Negreiros took 2 for 25 in 6 overs. Yuli was far and away the star of the innings, making a outstanding 56 off 80 Tomorrow’s fixtures at Brian Picollo Park balls as opener, with four boundaries. in Cooper City, Broward County, sees the Captain Greloni chipped in with 19, but big clash between favourites Canada and none of the other batsmen reached Argentina while T&T Development XI Argentina’s Catalina Greloni bowling against USA figures. Isoline Sutherland was the most take on Bermuda later. successful among the USA bowlers, with 3 for 16 in 8 overs, while Ivy Mahabir picked up 2 for 8.

SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 21 ECB appoint Ahlya Fateh to shape marketing of women’s cricket

Ahlya Fateh, the Managing Editor of exciting project and I am thrilled at the take the women’s team and, indeed the Tatler Magazine, has been appointed by prospect of helping the England women’s women’s game, to new levels of interest the England and Wales Cricket Board cricket team. I am a big cricket fan - I and exposure.’’ to help shape the image of the England have lived with it all my life as my father women’s cricket team. is a huge follower of the game. Ahlya Fateh has worked with Conde Nast Publications since August 2001 as Ms Fateh, 38, will head up a group of ‘It will be interesting to see what someone Managing Editor of Tatler Magazine. three who will work with ECB staff to from outside the game can bring to the look at ways of promoting and marketing table in terms of ideas and direction.’ Before that she worked with Conde Nast the England team, which recently won the International between April 1996 and ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia. In the next few weeks Ms Fateh will August 2001 including working with select two other people to work with her Vogue Russia in Moscow. Ms Fateh has a Giles Clarke, the ECB chairman, said: on this project. Giles Clarke added: ‘Our degree in Russian and French. aaShe also ‘I am delighted that someone of Ahlya’s women’s team have great commercial worked for Price Waterhouse. experience, knowledge and undoubted and marketing potential. talent has agreed to work with and advise the ECB on how best to adapt to this fast What is important though is that we have growing area of cricket.’ a professional, effective and structured approach and there is no doubt that Ahlya Ms Fateh added: ‘It is an extremely will ensure that is the case and will help

ECB appoint Jane Stichbury and as special advisors

The growth in women’s cricket, the cricket during her 24-year reign as the Board of Wanderers success of the England women’s team England player and captain from 1960; FC (1997 to 2003) and is still Public and the growing importance of safety she made 51 appearances for England Relations Manager at the Club and and security within international sport and scored 30 centuries at all levels. She Trustee of WolvesAid Charity. have been recognised by ECB through was partly instrumental in the creation the expansion of the ECB Board with the of the first Women’s In 2001 Rachael became President of the appointment of two special advisors to in 1973-with the sponsorship of Sir Jack Lady Taverners, (fund raising arm of the the Board . Hayward.. cricket charity The Lord’s Taverners) - and presided over raising hundreds of Jane Stichbury, CBE and QPM, is Her Rachael captained England in the first ever thousands of pounds for special needs Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary for women’s match at Lord’s in 1976 when youngsters. She was awarded an MBE the South of England Region. She has they defeated Australia by 8 wickets. in 1972 and OBE in 2008 for services to responsibility for inspection of 16 forces. Rachael campaigned for nine years to cricket. She was previously Chief Constable enable women to become members of of Dorset Police for some five and a the MCC; in 1999 she was one of the first ECB Chairman Giles Clarke commented: half years, and a Vice President of the 10 women to be named MCC Honorary ‘ECB is delighted that Jane and Rachael Association of Chief Police Officers. Life members; since then she has served have agreed to join ECB as their on the Club’s Marketing, Cricket and knowledge and experience will greatly During her career Jane has been a member General Committee. strengthen our Board. or chair of a number of local and national boards: she was awarded an Honorary Rachael was a former PE Teacher Womens cricket is one of the fastest Doctorate in Business Administration and journalist and England hockey growing areas of our sport and I am from Bournemouth University in 2004. international-but for the last 35 years delighted to welcome our first two female has operated her own Public Relations members to our Board meetings‘. Rachael Heyhoe Flint, OBE DL, became and Sports Marketing business from her a champion for the cause of women’s Wolverhampton office; she has served on

22 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 FESTIVAL CRICKET Vintage Cricket Cape Town Carnival Peter Mc Dermott Vintage Cricket Carnival, Florida assistance bodes very well for a Carnival the past. One of the great things about Postponed until 2011 in October 2011. Vintage Cricket is that all players of all ages and abilities are able to take part and The organisers of the planned Vintage Vintage Cricket Carnival, Cape Town, enjoy the experience” said Roger Carroll. Cricket Carnival to have been staged in South Africa March 2010 to Proceed Florida in October this year have decided Neil Watson of the Western Province to postpone the Carnival until October The 5th World Vintage Cricket Carnival Cricket Club is the host for the Carnival 2011. to be played in Cape Town in mid March and has assured all that the welcome will next year is to proceed as a number be “warm, friendly and supportive” from The Carnival which was sponsored by of teams from the United Kingdom, local Clubs and cricket people. the American Cricketer Magazine drew Australia, India and New Zealand have An intriguing entry is expected from a great deal of interest with a number already entered and will be joining local the Khayelitsha Cricket Club which of teams seeking more information. South African teams for a week of fun and is situated in the Khayelitsha African Unfortunately the current economic friendship on and off the cricket fields. Township. The Carnival has set as its conditions meant that many beneficiary the Bennie and of the US based teams and Shirley Rabinowitz Cricket more distant participants Trust for the benefit of (from Australia, New disadvantaged cricketers and Zealand and England) were grassroots support of cricket. adversely affected by the Vintage Cricket is proud to financial uncertainty and be associated with the Trust requested a postponement. whose objectives coincide with the objectives of the “There was a great deal members of Vintage Cricket. of interest from teams from Barbados, Cayman “We will welcome teams, Islands, Bermuda and players, supporters and even Trinidad” said Roger umpires to the Carnival” Carroll, a representative of said Roger Carroll. “If the Vintage Cricket office. players don’t have a team “Unfortunately other teams Broward County Regional Park, Florida USA and want to come as a group could not commit and rather Join us here in 2011 or as individuals we can fit than waste a wonderful opportunity we them into composite teams such as The decided to delay the Carnival for a couple Past South African Test player, Barry Internationals led by former New Zealand of years. Richards, President of World Vintage Test Captain, Geoff Howarth-a team that Cricket is a great advocate of cricket in includes players from Australia, Canada, Florida is a great cricket destination and the Rainbow Nation. “Cape Town is one USA, England and Barbados”. we are determined to give US, Caribbean, of the great places in the world” said Canadian and other international teams Barry “and the fact that the Carnival will The South African currency is favourable the chance to enjoy a Vintage Cricket have an exclusive opening function at the to visitors and the prices for the Carnival Carnival in a top US cricket destination.” historic is a and the costs when in South Africa are real bonus”. extremely favourable. “This will be a The support of the American Cricketer very competitively priced Carnival” said magazine and local ground authorities , one of the Vintage Cricket Neil Watson. was appreciated. There was a good deal Ambassadors is a likely starter for the of effort from the various cricket people Carnival and there is a strong rumour “You get here and we will make sure that in the Broward County, Lauderdale, that 2 or 3 past Indian Test stars will be you have a great time and it won’t cost you Fort Lauderdale and Miramar regions playing. very much at all. Plus the Clubs are ready to prepare for a Carnival. The local and waiting with some great hospitality. authorities were extremely co-operative “It is a great opportunity for players of This may well be the best Vintage Cricket and supportive. The enthusiasm and all abilities to play and mix with stars of Carnival yet.”

SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 23 In Recognition Bedser and Kanhai become the latest legends to enter cricket’s hall of fame

Bedser describes it as a “great honour” President David Morgan in the presence while Kanhai says it is “the icing on the of the England and Wales Cricket Board cake” of his career chairman Giles Clarke, West Indies Cricket Board chairman Dr Julian Hunte Photos of the presentation available from and the secretary and chief executive Getty Images of the , Keith Bradshaw. Two of the greats of the game, Rohan Kanhai and Alec Bedser, were formally A delighted Bedser said: “It is a inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of great honour to be included in such a Fame during the tea interval on day two presentation from the ICC, particularly as of the first Test between England and it’s a worldwide accolade. It is also very the West Indies at Lord’s, London on pleasing to be, alongside Rohan, one of Thursday. the first 55 cricketers inducted into the Hall of Fame.” The Hall of Fame, run in association with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Kanhai added: “I am honoured to be part Associations (FICA), recognises some of and England legend having played of the Cricket Hall of Fame and especially the truly great players from cricket’s long for his beloved county right up to 1960 so in this centenary year of the ICC. and illustrious history. after some 485 matches. “To be honoured at Lord’s, of all places, Kanhai’s 17-year Test career for the West His tally of 51 Test matches for England and at the same time as Sir Alec, one of Indies spanned from 1957 to 1974 and would surely have been more but for the the legends of the game, makes this a very in that time he scored 6,227 runs in 79 outbreak of World War II but once peace special occasion for me. matches at an average of 47.53. He scored was restored in 1945, Bedser made up for 28 fifties and 15 centuries, including a lost time and quickly became a pillar of “Throughout my cricket career, I played magnificent 256 against India at Calcutta England ’s bowling attack. against some great teams and great players in 1958. and have some treasured memories. Being Bedser made his Test debut at Lord’s a part of this elite group is very rewarding The Guyanan, who was named Wisden in 1946 and immediately made a big and the icing on the cake.” Cricketer of the Year in 1964, also had impression taking 11-145 in the match a highly successful county career in against India , the first of five times he ICC President David Morgan said: “In a England for , where he would take 10 wickets or more in a Test. team full of wonderful players, Kanhai scored 1,000 runs or more in a season no was right up there with the best of the fewer than 10 times, including 1,894 runs In all, he took 236 Test wickets at an great West Indies cricketers. He was a at an average of 57.39 in 1970. average of 24.89 with his right-arm genuine stylist and he thrilled crowds all medium-. Developing a over the world, not least here in England , Today, Kanhai returns to Lord’s, a venue classical and economical action off a both when he toured with the West Indies that has been a happy hunting ground for relatively short run, Bedser’s accuracy and when he played for Warwickshire. him. In 1975 he played a pivotal role in and nagging length was too good for many ensuring the West Indies won the very first of the best batsmen who were unable to “My abiding memory of Rohan is his Cricket World Cup when it beat Australia keep out his in-swingers and leg-cutters. partnership with Clive during that 1975 at the Lord’s final by 17 runs. On that World Cup final, which sent West Indians day, Kanhai hit 55 out of a crucial 149- After retirement, Bedser went on to into ecstasy, whether they were here run partnership with after the become a distinguished and respected supporting their team at Lord’s or tuning West Indies had stumbled to 50-3. administrator for both Surrey and England in from back home in the Caribbean. . In 1996 he was knighted for his services At 90 years of age, Bedser is the oldest to cricket. “Sir Alec is one of England ’s greatest surviving member of the ICC Cricket cricketers of any era. Apart from his 238 Hall of Fame having played his first Kanhai and Bedser were presented with wickets in just 51 matches he also took first-class match in 1939. He is a true their ICC Hall of Fame caps by ICC Continued on page 25

24 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 Continued from page 24

100 wickets in a season 11 times, which number of inductees, in addition to the is great about the game. is an amazing achievement and a mark of 55 already chosen, will be named during how prolific he was. 2009. On the field these events include the ICC “Regardless of his exploits on the field, I Photos of the presentation are available Women’s World Cup (won by England ), believe he could well have qualified for from Getty Images. the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the a major award on the basis of his post- ICC World Twenty20 event for men and playing career alone. He served as a *ICC Cricket Hall of Fame – initial women and the ICC Champions Trophy. selector for England for a record 23 years inductees (55): and for more than a decade of that he was And off the field there will be the opening chairman. , Bishan Bedi, Alec of the ICC Global Cricket Academy Bedser, , Allan , and the inauguration of the ICC’s new “I valued his friendship and counsel , , Donald headquarters, both of which are in Dubai enormously during my time as chairman Bradman, , , , and an ICC cricket history conference of the England and Wales Cricket Board , , Kapil at St Antony’s College, Oxford in the and now as president of the ICC. It is Dev, , , United Kingdom in July. wonderfully encouraging to hear a man , , WG of his experience and knowledge speak Grace, , , The ICC will also be celebrating the so positively about the modern game. Richard Hadlee, Walter Hammond, Neil contribution of volunteers across the Harvey, , , world through the award of 1,000 “I want to congratulate Sir Alec and , Leonard Hutton, centenary medals and will announce new Rohan for this great achievement and Rohan Kanhai, , , developments to its social responsibility thank them for all the pleasure they have , , Dennis partnership on HIV/AIDS. given generations of cricket fans down Lillee, , Clive Lloyd, Hanif through the years,” said Mr Morgan. Mohammad, Rodney Marsh, Malcolm During the course of 2009, each of the Marshall, , , ICC’s 104 Members will be hosting Other ICC Cricket Hall of Famers , Bill O’Reilly, Graeme activities inspired by the special spirit to have received their caps so far in Pollock, , , of cricket as part of the global Catch the 2009 are legendary New Zealand all- Vivian Richards, , Garfield Spirit centenary celebration. rounder Richard Hadlee ex-Australia Sobers, , , wicketkeeper , 11 former West , , To promote this theme and the launch Indies players or their family members , , Frank of the ICC’s centenary year website, or representatives – batting greats Clive Worrell. www.catchthespirit.com, stars of the Lloyd and Vivian Richards, champion international game have named their all-rounder , the three About the ICC centenary year “Catch the Spirit” moments which best Ws Everton Weekes, Clyde Walcott and encapsulate the spirit of cricket. , opener Gordon Greenidge, ICC President David Morgan and Chief fast bowlers Michael Holding, Malcolm Executive Haroon Lorgat officially Among those stars that can be seen on Marshall and Andy Roberts, and star launched the ICC centenary year in the website, Yuvraj Singh of India speaks off-spinner Lance Gibbs – also ex- Sydney , Australia on 2 January by of his experiences in Pakistan – India South Africa batsmen Barry Richards announcing the formation of the ICC matches and South Africa ’s Jacques and – and former Cricket Hall of Fame, in association with Kallis reflects on his side’s famous chase Pakistan stalwarts Javed Miandad, Hanif FICA. of 438 to beat Australia in an ODI in Mohammad and Imran Khan. . The ICC’s centenary year of 2009 will be Further presentations will be made a global celebration with events taking during the course of the year and a limited place around the world to reflect all that Lets congratulate these Living Legends on becoming the latest inductees to the International Cricket Hall of Fame

SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 25 UAE to stage expanded ICC WT20 2010 Qualifier in October

Host and USA to join the top six Associate and Affiliate teams in race ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “The team is currently in the Pepsi for two places at the main event in the “I am thrilled that the ICC Development ICC Division 5 Caribbean Committee has again taken an expansive but the players showed their abilities in and innovative approach to promoting our winning last November’s ICC Americas ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat: great sport by inviting the UAE and USA Championship, finishing ahead of Canada “I’m thrilled by the ICC Development to join the top six Associate and Affiliate and Bermuda in the process. Committee’s innovative approach” teams at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier later this year. “Twenty20 is the perfect vehicle for “The tournament will be a great chance cricket to excite the USA and the carrot for the UAE to showcase its cricket “It follows on from its previous decision for its players and administrators is that facilities and generate interest in our that the ICC Intercontinental Cup will a top-two finish will earn it a place in the great sport” expand to two divisions in 2009-10 with main event which is to be held in its own the addition of two more Associate teams region. “A wonderful opportunity for the USA and the possibility of including a team to move towards a brighter future and from . “We trust the exploit its potential” and the United States of America Cricket “The committee has given the chance for Association will embrace this opportunity “With its player base, development the top six Associate and Affiliate teams and will prepare squads of the highest potential and cricket broadcast interest, to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20, standard. now backed with a new professional something they had the chance to do in administration set-up, the USA has the equivalent event in Ireland last year, “And we are sure Ireland, Canada, obvious potential and a top-two finish while, at the same time, creating two Kenya, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and will see it qualify for the main event in additional invitational slots for this event. Scotland will all be up for the challenge, its own region” in what we believe will be a great event.” “The concept of invitations is common in The (UAE) has some other sports and, in this instance, it The ICC Development Committee also been invited to host the ICC World fits the bill perfectly. decided on the following locations for Twenty20 2010 Qualifier later this year. other upcoming events: “For the UAE, ranked seventh in the list The event, which is currently scheduled of Associate and Affiliate one-day teams, · The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League to take place in late October, will also be hosting and taking part in the qualifier Division 5 (due to take place in January expanded from its previous staging, in will be a great chance to showcase its 2010) will be held in Nepal. Ireland in 2008. excellent cricket facilities and to generate additional interest in the game within the · The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League In addition to featuring the six Associate country. Division 4 (due to take place in June and Affiliate teams with ODI status – 2010) will be held in Italy. Ireland, Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, “And for the USA the tournament Afghanistan and Scotland – it will also represents a wonderful opportunity to · Canada will host the ICC U/19 CWC include the host team and the United move towards a brighter future and Global Qualifier in September 2009, States of America (USA). exploit its potential after a period on the which will see 10 Associate and Affiliate fringes following previous suspensions teams (two from each of the ICC’s five The top two sides from the tournament and demotions because of administrative regions) battle for five places in the ICC will go forward to join the 10 ICC Full issues. U/19 CWC 2010. Members in next year’s main event, set to take place in the West Indies in April “The ICC has strategic plans to target and The binding decisions of the ICC and May at three locations – Barbados, strengthen the game in potential growth Development Committee in relation Guyana and St Lucia. markets and the USA, with its player to these events are all subject to the base, development potential and cricket finalisation of logistical and budgetary These decisions were made by the ICC broadcast interest, now backed with a arrangements with the prospective hosts. Development Committee, which has been new professional administration set-up, meeting this week in Dubai. has obvious potential in all these areas.

26 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 ICC World Twenty20 comes to a TV set near you Cricket entered a new era of 1080i High a batsman grips the bat, the wrist-cock Definition digital broadcasting when Nine Viewers are excited about watching - all of that can be viewed with greater Network broadcast India vs Australia T20 cricket on HD. “The joy of watching a clarity in HD.” match at Cricket Ground on ball glide over blades of grass - all of it in February 1, 2008. HD is hard to explain. Until now, we have Not everyone is happy. “My favorite only experienced baseball or golf in this players has aged about five years once When it was announced that the ICC exciting format,” Shantharam Serukur they showed him in full HD,” one World Cup Twenty20, which kicked off told DreamCricket.com. disappointed female cricket fan noted. in the United Kingdom on 5th June, will be telecast on high definition for the first Serukur, who plays in a New Jersey time, viewers in wondered league said that he was planning to if they would join their UK counterparts switch to DIRECTV. “I would have loved in getting their feed in High Definition. to go to England to watch the matches, but watching on HD will match that DIRECTV confirmed last week that experience.” DIRECTV viewers will indeed enjoy cricket in High Definition for the first Kranthi Bayya of DreamCricket time in U.S. Academy thinks reviews of slow motion shots in High Definition could help a lot ICC World Twenty20 is being shown in of cricketers in making improvements to High-Definition (HD) only on DIRECTV. their own game. “There is more to cricket Subscribers of DIRECTV’s CricketTicket than meets the eye. There is a lot of should tune into channels 478-1 and 479- subtlety that is easily missed with current 1 for the HD broadcast. broadcasts and internet streams. Like how

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288x10-5(AmericaCriMag)Ad.indd AMERICAN CRICKETER 1 SPRING ISSUE 2009 3/10/09 9:42:10 AM The Indian Premier League Mo Ally The Indian Premier League was Surely 20/20 cricket is here to stay conceptualized by Mr. Lalit Modi, the and it is gaining popularity around the Vice President of BCCI, and it is molded world. When will USACA and the ICC along the lines of English Soccer League. Development promote this format in The IPL is an official sanctioned 20/20 the U.S.? I feel the time is right and the tournament recognized by ICC. It is Broward county facility is ideal to promote a franchise-based 20/20 competition International Cricket. It is essential for organized by BCCI, where cricketers the USACA board to meet with Broward from around the world compete with their County Parks and Recreation to resolve respective team based on finance and not their differences and carry on with the nationality. game.

The IPL League was initiated in 2008. This concept of English Premier League will take the field. football applied to cricket is new and unique to the game. The BCCI made close The game began with the Royal to $1.75 Billion solely from sale of TV Challengers hot, hot, hot, getting skipper rights ($908 million dollars in advertising Gilchrist for . However, Gibbs and and in franchise fees a mere $700 million). Symonds prevailed and took the innings However, today a cricketer is making a to 143 runs. Skipper was at substantial amount of money compared to his best for his bowling was unbeatable their predecessors for at least 10 players and he bagged 4 wickets for 16 runs in are being paid $1 million or more per year 4 overs. by the IPL. At this point with such a low score There are eight franchise teams in the IPL it seemed evident that the Royal and it is primarily owned by Bollywood Challengers, with their immense batting celebrities and businessmen. machines like Jack Kallis and youngster Manish Pandey, Raul Dravid, one would The teams are as follows: think it’s over. 1 Royal Challengers of 2 Super Kings Manish Pandey is the first Indian to score a 3 Deccan Chargers century in this tournament, unfortunately 4 Daredevils he failed in the finals to perform for his 5 Kings X1 Punjab team. However, it’s not over until the 6 Kolkotta Knight Riders fat lady sings and with skipper Gilchrist 7 Indians making the right calls on the field, superb 8 Rajasthan Royals bowling and fielding by the Deccan Chargers, they eventually won in a nail The last IPL tournament was just biting finish by 6 runs. completed in South Africa, where a sea of supporters filled the massive stands in Careless shots by the Royals caused their Johannesburg to see the final match of the defeat but that is the great uncertainty Umar Gul competition. And the match was between of cricket. As mentioned before, this the Royal Challenges of Bangalore team was at the bottom of the ladder in “Man of the Game” versus Deccan Chargers. The coin was the inaugural tournament but Deccan Umar bolled 4 overs, 6 runs tossed to see who would bat or field and exceeded all expectations. The Royals for 5 wickets in the match was done by Mr. Lalit Modi and skipper on the other hand lost several of their Anil Kumble. Kumble won the toss and earlier matches but prevailed and most against New Zealand. gracefully told Mr. the surprisingly ended up in the finals. captain of the Deccan Chargers that they SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 29 Sehwag injury concerns for Team India WLC News India’s concerns over the fitness of their in the international calendar. Infact, the strike bowler, , suffered skipper pointed out that as one of the yet another jolt after skipper MS Dhoni most experienced T20 sides around, declared that he wont be playing in either India might benefit from the experience of the warm-up games. Additionally, of having featured in so many crunch opener too, looks all set situations in the past including those in to miss out on the opening warm-up on the IPL. He went on to say that since his the 1st of June against New Zealand. side has been virtually unchanged over the past two years, it helps them to gel as Both, Sehwag and Zaheer had picked up a unit and that almost every team member injuries in the recently concluded IPL and contributes to the think-tank by coming whilst the left armer’s injury was slightly up with different ideas from time to time. more serious in nature, it’s believed that Meanwhile, CEO of the ICC, Haroon Sehwag’s taking rest more as a way of Lorgat made an honest confession by Virender Sehwag precaution. A senior member of the team saying that players could be tempted to management was quoted as saying that shorten their international cricket careers League that will happen annually and then keeping every member of the squad fit to participate in the various cash-rich T20 there are talks of having two IPLs a year. and maintaining their fitness throughout leagues. Earlier during the IPL in South Africa, the mega-event would be one of their West Indian skipper had challenges. The cricketing circle could be packed made startling revelations on how he’d with as many as five such domestic happily give up on Tests to participate While theres been a lot of talk about the leagues with franchises from England, in more number of T20s and Lorgat has ‘fatigue factor’ affecting the chances of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand conceded that a separate window for the India in the World Cup, Dhoni brushed already chalking out plans to come IPL would be looked into for the next FTP off all such concerns by re-iterating that out with their own version of the IPL. [Future Tours Programme]; the current his team is used to the hectic travelling Additionally, there’s the Champions T20 FTP model expires in 2012.

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30 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING ISSUE 2009 SPRING ISSUE 2009 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 31 Pr200836778.indd 1 11/3/2008 9:02:21 AM