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2 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 American Cricketer is published by American Cricketer, Inc. Copyright 2010

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SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 3 Publisher Letter In this issue n 1844 the United the International Cricket Council (gov- www.americancricketer.com IStates hosted and erning body for cricket worldwide) over participated in the first alleged irregularities in the election of Features International Cricket officials and for not adopting a new con- Match. In the latest stitution. Our National Cricket Team was 5 COVER STORY attempt, United States WORLD TWENTY 20 CRICKET IN WEST INDIES AND disgracefully beaten by Jamaica which is THE ORIGIN OF T/20 hosted its first modern International not even a West Indies B or C team. We Cricket Match when Sri Lanka played have a long way to go in the International 16 PHOTO GALLERY New Zealand in Central Broward Stadium circle of cricket. 28 STICKEY located in the city of Lauderhill, Florida. However, cricket in America will need to 30 CRICKET EVENTS After many years of talking about profes- attract people with roots beyond cricket’s sional cricket, the United States Cricket traditional homes. Events such as the cur- Cricket Association partnered with New Zealand rent one might attract cricket-mad expa- to bring this game into the country. Truly triates. But in all probability the only way US CRICKET it was a great showcase for U.S. Cricket. 7 MONTGOMERY COLLEGE CRICKET TEAM TO cricket can truly penetrate mainstream DEFEND NATIONAL TITLE However, neither one of these teams has a American sporting culture is for there to great following since neither country has be a successful U.S. team. And that’s a 9 ONE FOR THE FUTURE IN USA CRICKET a sizable diaspora in Florida. An India - very long way from happening. 10 USA CRICKET AND ESPN REACH HISTORIC Pakistan or West Indies match up would RIGHTS AGREEMENT have drawn much greater crowds. Mo Ally - Publisher [email protected] 11 SPRING BREAK CHAMPIONSHIP However for this impromptu visit by 12 TWO DISTINCT AMERICAN CRICKET DEVELOPMENT these two International teams with little MODELS: FORT LAUDERDALE AND CUPERTINO advertisement and less than two weeks Great Opportunities for preparation all went well with approxi- Business Ownership UMPIRING mately 6,000 people attending the games. 14 THE FIELDER Despite the problems in USACA, cricket FESTIVAL CRICKET might still sell in the U.S. One can call it Additional growth markets 15 FABULOUS CRICKET IN FANTASTIC CAPE TOWN the rebirth of cricket in the United States. are now open with ownership It doesn’t help that the U.S. has never had opportunities for community- 19 THE FRIENDSHIP CUP a credible domestic competition. At least spirited individuals with a PHYSICAL FITNESS Soccer and Rugby got a reasonably com- 18 CRICKET AND INJURY PREVENTION petitive league. strong business background. Contact our Expansion INTERNATIONAL CRICKET The U.S is “blessed” with administra- 20 US BOYS FINISH 15TH AT ICC U-19 WORLD CUP Director for details and market tive chaos which makes the development availability. 305-851-3130 SOUTH ASIAN CORNER of cricket difficult. In 2005 and again in 22 THE BRIDESMAID, WHO BECAME THE BRIDE 2007 the USACA was suspended from A WORLD T20 REVIEW

ENGLAND GO WINLESS, AND GO TO SECOND ROUND

INDIA, AUSTRALIA DOMINATE, SOUTH AFRICA STRUGGLE American Cricketer is proud to welcome 23 SUPER EIGHTS AT THE HOT, PACY BARBADOS: on board, former Test Player for KANGAROOS LEAPFROG OVER THE REST England, Malcolm Nash as our new THE ASIAN ARMADA COMES TO GRINDING HALT Marketing Manager fot the Central and CARIBBEAN CRICKET CORNER 24 “PERFORM OR RISK BEING DROPPED” West Coast of the United States. GAYLE WARNS BATSMEN

25 2010 SFCA SIMS CUP CLASSIC COMPETITION FINAL

ABOUT PEOPLE 27 COLIN E. H. CROFT

4 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 ScopeCover Story World Twenty 20 Cricket in West Indies and the Origin of T/20 Mo Ally

Mo Ally

he World Twenty 20 Cricket in Tthe West Indies was a tremendous success. The World Cup in 2007 and World Twenty 20 in 2010 was played in several countries in the Caribbean, congratulation to ICC for making such a difficult venue appear so easy.

The four countries that hosted the Women’s and Men’s Twenty 20 World Cup are first, Guyana a country with pristine Amazonian rain forest, rich cultural heritage, and is the most hospitable and Providence Stadium, Guyana friendly people in the world. Guyana is proud of its eco tourism and is a paradise Finally the fourth country is the Island of on such a grand event is miniscule when for nature lovers. St. Kitts formally known as St. Kitts & compared to Trinidad. In Trelawney, Nevis is one of the oldest and wealthiest Jamaica for the world Cup 2007 the The second country is Barbados a tiny of the English colonies in the Caribbean. opening ceremonies was breathtaking and volcanic island with a mere 166 square This 68 acre country, with its 32,000 one cannot help but be proud of the spirit miles and a population of 300,000. Some residents yields a fortune in sugar and and camaraderie it displayed. refer to it as little England because of its rum. Cricket in these four countries is close ties to the UK. A very diversified like having four world cups because of It seems like the opening ceremonies country, it is considered the culinary distance and ethnic backgrounds. obviously was meant to be held in Trinidad capital of the Caribbean. but due to their elections and possible The opening ceremonies in Providence trouble in the air it was moved to Guyana. Saint Lucia popular for its Jazz Festival Guyana appears to have been so poorly Trinidad with its carnival experience and is the third country and is well known planned that one cannot help but think fun loving, happy-go-lucky people would for its all inclusive five star hotels. With that Guyana is not equipped for such an have definitely added flair and color to the its diverse attraction, including a drive occasion. However it was said that ICC opening ceremonies. in volcano, rainforest, and its bustling did not provide the necessary funds to the market place. Saint Lucia is one of the Guyana Cricket Board for an outstanding Truly in a moment when the rest of the Winward Island of the West Indies Lesser opening like Trelawney, Jamaica in 2007. world is watching the Caribbean it is Our experience and knowledge to putting Antilles. continued on page 6

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 5 continued from page 5 mentioned above Texas billionaire Allen players. A typical game lasts a few hours Stanford who inaugurated this format and might be catching on in the United regrettable that we did not stage our with a carnival atmosphere filled the States where cricket has been in the abyss colors, since so many of our islands stands with women and children for the for decades. This is primarily due to the revenues are based on a tourist economy. first time in the Caribbean. fact that the game is played by expats and Nonetheless , the election finished with little time is given to development, yes we absolutely no problems. Our hats off and Yes it was Stanford T/20 in Antigua with do have areas of development but nothing congratulations to the people of Trinidad the big dollars that kicked off the game in is coordinated and is now a free for all, on their newly elected Prime Minister. the West Indies especially when England where everybody is in the game for the played the West Indies for the $20,000,000 bucks. The games were played with great winner-take-all purse. This caused the enthusiasm and passion, and in order to world to look at Twenty 20 cricket in a The United States Cricket Association, reach the finals it was an arduous task different light. the governing body for cricket is making among the twelve contestants. Credit headway for the first time in promoting must be given to ICC for promoting Now Pakistan plays the ABN Amro international cricket. Yes indeed New associate cup members to this grand Twenty 20, Australia plays the KFC Zealand and Sri Lanka after their world finale and hail to Afghanistan and Ireland Twenty 20, New Zealand plays HVR Cup cup matches concluded in the West Indies for their initial competition with the big and the most prestigious is the Indian came to play a few games in the new guns. Nonetheless with an exciting final Premier League Twenty 20. stadium in Fort Lauderdale. match between Australia and England, The IPL T20 is a franchise based league who would think England would be the and was launched by the board of control This should do well to promote cricket champion. Congratulations to England for cricket in India. This tournament is the in the United States but I wonder at what for winning and now the world rolls royce of cricket tournament for the cost. Professional cricketers today are Twenty 20. purse is enormous and finally cricketers only thinking about their pockets and are making money now comparable to want to be paid ridiculous sums even Certainly they are out of the doldrums other sports. when playing in a non cricketing country. of cricket for their standard of play has Insisting on staying in 5 Star hotels surely left all the bookies and gurus of cricket The IPL success is phenomenal and like so many they think here in the US we to wonder what happen for they were far players can express themselves more just shake a money tree in the back yard. from being the favorite to win the 2010 freely in playing this type of cricket. With I certainly hope USACA is aware of World Cup. the money, popularity, and flair of the new their obligations and realize in as much format of cricket one has to wonder about we would like to have International In the West Indies Allen Stanford put the other and original format of cricket. Cricket, funds should be diverted for the Twenty 20 cricket on the map with much development of cricket here in our schools flair and lots of cash one would think Cricketers are now debating vehemently and parks. that the origin of Twenty 20 cricket was as to why one format is better than the originated in the Indies. However Twenty other, that is Twenty 20 versus One Day 20 cricket was inaugurated in England in International or . I personally 2003. I think Test Cricket will prevail because to an avid cricketer there is no game like In 2002 England and Wales cricket a great test match. board wanted to reverse the decline of attendances in cricket. In so doing The skill and expediency of each , they engaged their marketing director the pride of playing for country and the Stuart Robertson to initiate an extensive grueling stamina one has to attain to play consumer research into the problem. He this format makes it astounding especially discovered that cricket was limited to when playing for the ashes between middle aged white men as spectators and Australia and England. women and children got bored with the duration of the game. However in my opinion is a cricket lover game for a However, if a shorter version of the game decision must be rendered at the end of is played it would attract the younger the days play. It truly is a thrilling version crowd. Consequently the ECB introduced of cricket and can be extremely exciting the Twenty 20 cricket which turned out to as twenty 20 cricket. be an enormous success. The game of Twenty 20 cricket has spread The T20 format of cricket is quick, rapidly throughout the cricket world. As exciting and really showing the skill of

6 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 U.S. CRICKET Montgomery College cricket team to defend national title Annys Shin

ast March, the Montgomery College -- business and computer science majors was on the house. The three-foot-tall Lmen’s team handily beat four other who had played the game as kids in India trophy rode home in the back seat of a schools to win the first American College and Pakistan, countries where cricket is Honda Accord, with players taking turns Cricket championship. There was only followed with near-religious devotion -- holding it on their laps over the course of one problem: The school had no idea it resolved to go to the American College the 20-hour ride. had a cricket team. Cricket Spring Break Championship in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after learning about The cricketers returned to Fort Lauderdale Despite the college slogan, “endless it on Facebook. The students paid their to defend their title. This time, they possibilities,” national titles are hardly own way. represented Montgomery as an official commonplace at Montgomery, which has school club against a field of 18 other more than 60,000 students on its campuses Captain Adil Bhatti, 22, had to borrow colleges. in Rockville, Germantown and Takoma money to cover his expenses and the $400 Park. But officials didn’t realize that their registration fee. Most of his teammates On a campus where the students hail own school was a cricket powerhouse had played together or against one another from more than 175 countries, in a region until some weeks after the tournament, for years before enrolling at Montgomery with enough cricket-loving immigrants to when English professor David Lott read a College’s Rockville campus, starting with support several well-established leagues, newspaper article about the championship. pickup games on county tennis courts Montgomery is a natural to produce a He alerted the administration, which and in parking lots around Rockville and competitive team, and cricket may yet didn’t exactly shower the team with Gaithersburg. prove to be a source of school pride and support, leading Lott to agree to serve as cohesion. the team’s faculty adviser. After beating the University of South Florida team to win the title, the The college doesn’t supply a coach, uni- The cricketers were accustomed to doing Montgomery teammates celebrated at an forms or even a field, but over the past things on their own. The 11-man squad Indian restaurant near their hotel. Dessert year, word of the cricket team has slowly

Montgomery College players taking a photo-op with their trophy continued on page 8

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 7 continued from page 7 spread across campus. Community col- This year in Fort Lauderdale, the defend- team. Even if the cricketers had the field lege athletics is a far more modest en- ing champs must face other Washington to themselves, they would not practice deavor than the big-time sports found at area teams, including George Mason Uni- there because the ground is uneven and four-year schools, where a winning team versity, George Washington University covered in grass. T20 is played on a level can mean huge crowds, big bands and and the University of Maryland-Baltimore surface covered in Astroturf. Unable to hefty gifts from alumni. County. Bhatti said he was briefly worried properly bat and bowl, the team soon that GMU might add a ringer or two to the moved over to the adjacent tennis courts, But Bhatti said he was surprised when a squad by having some of the top players spreading across all four courts on one cashier at the campus bookstore told him in the Washington Cricket League audit side of the net. she had heard about the team’s win in classes at the college for a semester. Florida. They took turns and batting, The captain was relieved to learn that as Bhatti stood to the side, arms folded. A second championship title could raise tournament organizers had tightened The banter slipped into Urdu or Hindi, the team’s profile on campus even more, eligibility requirements enough to prevent peppered with the occasional “dude.” said college spokeswoman Elizabeth such manipulation. But by necessity, the Homan. And perhaps ensure more school organizers strive to be more inclusive Bhatti wanted them to focus on bowling, support. Cricket still doesn’t qualify to be than, say, National Collegiate Athletic instructing the batters not to go for runs. an athletic program because the sport is not Association standards for Division I His teammates ribbed one another over affiliated with groups such as the National basketball teams. The college cricket bad bowls and hooted at good ones. Junior College Athletic Association. championships, for example, allow a Their chemistry, Bhatti explained, is as limited number of alumni as well as important to their success as any training The school didn’t kick in for uniforms, but graduate students to play on each school’s regimen. the players will sport the college logo on team. their crisp shirts and trousers, along with It was Suchit Laheri’s turn to bowl. He a plug for an energy drink for cricketers. If the Montgomery squad survives its took up position at one end of the tennis regional matchups, it will go on to play courts, then started to barrel toward the Last year, team members had to make teams from across the country, including batter at the other end, winding his arm do with pairing the official tournament the University of Southern California, a before stopping a short distance away to T-shirts with black pants. tournament newcomer but a longtime hurl the ball. It hit the ground, as intended, cricket powerhouse that has recognized in front of the batter, then ricocheted A British import cricket as a team sport for 17 years. up, eluding the batter and smacking the wicket. The impact sent a 10-inch shard of Cricket first arrived on U.S. college Another advantage: The Southern wood flying off one of the stumps. Hoots campuses in the 19th century. But the California climate ensures ample went in the air. Laheri threw his arms up nation long ago lost the stamina to play practice time, whereas Montgomery’s in celebration. or watch the legendarily long game, team has been hit hard by this winter’s preferring its American offshoot, baseball, record snowfall. The cricketers have “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” which managed to trim each contest to a been practicing intently for more than shouted teammate Adil Latiwala. few hours. a month, Bhatti said, mostly indoors at a batting cage in Gaithersburg. A few Practice wound down. The players said Cricket matches can go on for days, and times, they ventured out after 10 p.m. they would try to get one more in, weather the game’s rules and British jargon can in freezing temperatures to play pickup permitting, on an actual cricket field in easily confound the uninitiated. Throwing games of “tape ball” -- using a tennis ball College Park. Until then, it was back to the ball, for example, is called bowling, wrapped in electrical tape -- in the empty late-night pickup games in the parking not pitching. parking lot across from the college’s main lot. entrance. The batter stands in front of something “Not for practice,” said Bhatti. “For fun.” called a wicket, which is made up of three Let’s go bowling wooden sticks poking out of the ground called stumps, topped with two pieces of On the evening of play, 10 players, wood called bails. wearing their brand-new black-and-gray uniforms for the first time, took turns The sport’s boosters have tried to broaden catching ground balls in a corner of the its appeal with a truncated version called football field while a school photographer , or T20, which lasts two to snapped pictures. The other end of the three hours. field was occupied by the men’s lacrosse

8 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 U.S. CRICKET

One for the future in USA cricket Ricardo Inniss

Standing at the crease at an imposing 16, 2000, in the Red Stripe Regional six-foot–five, Holder is intimidating, Competition in Jamaica. and bowling to him is not easy. His cover drives and hooks are lethal. Denny thinks there’s lots of potential in Holder as a batsman, left-arm seamer and A hapless Pakistani bowling attack fielder with an excellent throwing arm. recently learned that lesson the hard way in the sixth round of the SFCA Sims Cup, Should Holder continue to perform as when he banged six peppery fours and 13 he has been doing this year (with some Ricardo Inniss massive sixes, in a belligerent unbeaten sound coaching), he could soon be called 139. He also had other good knocks of to represent the USA. This youngster t is not outside the realm of probability 71, 67 and 54 in the competition. enjoys all kinds of music, and is currently Iand certainly not a case of wishful studying to become a massage therapist. thinking if I suggest that West Indies Holder hails from Black Rock, St. cricket will, one day coming soon, Michael, Barbados and was educated at With a little work on his defense, he benefit from the sport’s rapid growth in St. Stephen’s Elementary and St. James is certainly one for the future in USA the United States. Secondary schools. While at St. James cricket. And maybe, West Indies too! Secondary, he played Under-15, -17 and Against that backdrop, allow me to -19 cricket. He also ran track and field, introduce 20-year-old Justin Holder, and played some soccer. West Indies’ who came to South Florida almost a year dependable and prolific Shiv Chanderpaul ago and immediately secured a place in is the batsman Justin admires most. Westside Cavaliers and played in the 2009 South Florida Cricket Alliance Another Barbadian, Raymond Denny, (SFCA) 45-overs competition. also blazed his way to an unbeaten stroke-filled 115 during the same innings. But, it was not until earlier this year, in He smacked 15 fours and two sixes. The the SFCA Sims Cup [formerly the SFCA right-handed wicket-keeper batsman has Keith Graham Memorial Classic], while represented the USA on tours to England, representing Barbados, that the hard- India, Malaysia, Kenya, Canada and the hitting left-handed batsman really made West Indies and captained the USA team his mark, and caught the eye. who beat Barbados back on October Justin Holder

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 9 U.S. CRICKET USA Cricket and ESPN Reach Historic Rights Agreement ESPN

ay 22 and 23 T20 matches between one-day internationals, brings a wealth of is available via dozens of Internet Service MNew Zealand and Sri Lanka mark experience to viewers Providers of all sizes nationwide, includ- the first time two International Cricket * : Starred in the 1970’s ing Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, Cox, Char- Council (ICC) members have ever played and 1980’s for Bombay and India, setting ter, Windstream, RCN, Insight, Frontier, on United States soil. world records for the most runs and most Cavalier, Mediacom, Conway, Grande centuries scored by any batsman. Held the Communications and many more. It is ESPN and USA Cricket Association an- record of 34 Test centuries for almost two also available at no cost to approximately nounced today a platform to showcase decades before it was broken by Sachin 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.- exclusive, live coverage of the May 22 Tendulkar in December 2005 based military personnel via computers and 23 matches * Mike Haysman: The former member connected to on-campus educational net- between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in of Leicestershire, Northern Transvaal and works and on-base military networks. Lauderhill, Florida. South Australia represented the Australian XI in the South African rebel tours from About USA Cricket The matches took place in the Central 1985-1987 and is known to be one of the Broward Regional Park Cricket Stadium, best South African cricket commentators The United States of America Cricket the only ICC recognized cricket stadium Association (USACA) is the governing in North America and was shown exclu- Twenty20 is a form of cricket introduced body for cricket in the United States of sively on ESPN3.com in the U.S. ESPN in 2003 by the England and Wales Cricket America. USACA is an Associate Mem- International has also agreed to distribute Board. It involves two teams, each has a ber of the International Cricket Council the matches outside the U.S. on ESPN single innings, batting for a maximum of (ICC). The mission of USACA is to pro- media networks in the UK, Caribbean, 20 “overs.” An over is a set of six con- mote the game of Cricket at all levels in Africa, Israel, and the Middle East in 88 secutive legal balls bowled in succession. the United States of America, develop na- countries and territories. tional teams that will be competitive and Although still an embryonic sport in the successful in international competitions These historic matches mark the first time USA, cricket is one of the most popular and to become the symbol of excellence two ICC members have ever played on sports in the world. With approximately in sports throughout the world. United States soil. The last time the sport 15-million cricket fans living in the USA of cricket made significant history in the the goal of the strategic partnership be- Cricket has being played in the United United States was in 1844, when the Unit- tween New Zealand Cricket and USA States for several decades now. The USA ed States and Canada went head-to-head Cricket is to generate awareness and is approximately the size of Europe and in the first international sporting event be- establish a fan base and appetite for the is comprised of fifty (50) States, with tween two nations in world history. sport. cricket being played in all fifty. The ma- jor cricketing communities are New York, Televised for the first time ever in the Central Broward Regional Park Cricket New Jersey, California, Florida, Chicago United States, ESPN3.com has brought a Stadium was built in 2007 and holds up and Texas. powerful broadcast team together, led by to 20,000. 2009 ICC Cricket Hall of Fame inductee Currently there are 45 established leagues, and former Australia captain, Ian Chap- About ESPN3.com approximately 700 clubs and over 20,000 pell. Over the course of his career Chap- senior players, in addition to several vi- pell created and sustained a reputation as ESPN3.com - previously ESPN360.com - brant youth programs and a developing one of the greatest captains in the history is ESPN’s live sports broadband network, women’s program. of cricket. giving fans a 24/7 online destination that delivers approximately 4,000 live, global The United States senior men’s team Joining Chappell in the broadcast sports events annually. It is available at no is the defending champions of the ICC booth: additional cost to fans who receive their Americas Division 1 group. high-speed Internet connection from an * : The former member affiliated service provider, and is currently of the New Zealand national cricket team available in more than 50 million homes who played in 32 Test maches and 42 - two-thirds of U.S. broadband homes. It

10 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 U.S. CRICKET Spring Break Championship Nino DiLoreto

merican College Cricket announced an International flavor to the Champi- Breakers and cricket fans was able to see Athat the University of the West Indies onship and US College Cricketers are exciting 20/20 cricket action, as well as (UWI) and the USA Under 19 World Cup eager to see how they match up against enjoy what South Florida (Home of the Team will participate as “Special Guests” the powerful West Indies squad. Pro Vice 2010 Pro Bowl and Super Bowl) has to in the 2010 American College Cricket Chancellor of UWI Sir Hilary Beckles offer - a first class tourist and sports des- Spring Break Championship. said “We are very eager to participate, tination offering beautiful beaches in Ft and lend our support to this project. Our Lauderdale, outstanding cricket facilities The Championship was held on March boys are very excited about the prospect, in Lauderhill and the world famous night- 17-21, 2010 at the Central Broward Re- and are looking forward to the competi- life of South Beach and Miami. gional Park near Ft Lauderdale, Florida. tion”. UWI Director of Sports and former The Park features North America’s only Test player Roland Butcher accompanied ICC ODI-Certified Cricket Stadium, as the Team. well as two side-fields, with picnic areas. The Semi-Finals and the Final was played The USA Under 19 World Cup Team, in the Stadium on Sunday, March 21, recently returned from the World Cup in 2010, and will be webcast. New Zealand, is comprised mainly of Col- lege Freshmen who relish this opportuni- Cricket players from colleges across the ty to play with and against their College USA headed to South Florida to compete peers. Their participation is a fulfillment for the Shiv Chanderpaul Trophy, includ- of USA Cricket CEO Don Lockerbie’s ing 2009 Champions Montgomery Col- promise to “keep the Team actively play- lege, USC (Trojans), Ohio State, U of ing beyond their Under 19 days”. Minnesota, Auburn and many more. At the 2010 American College Cricket Central Broward Regional Park The University of the West Indies added Spring Break Championship, Spring

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 11 U.S. CRICKET Two distinct American Cricket Development models: Fort Lauderdale and Cupertino David Sentance

he arrival of New Zealand’s team in inning a second banner proclaimed Tamil Southern California with his Jamaican Tthe Broward County Cricket Stadium Genocide should be stopped. team mates Curtly Ambrose and Jimmy in Fort Lauderdale on May 10th 2010, ce- Adams in 1988. mented their strategic partnership with As the sun rotated every hour like a sun- the United States Cricket Association. dial around the stadium, areas of shade Three years later, in 1999, the increased With two matches between New Zea- under the stands rotated with sun’s move- demand for a high-content media stream- land’s Black Caps and Sri Lanka a new ment. The put-put sound of the propeller ing was clearly evident as Bobby Raf- dawn started in American cricket. powered airplane as it circled around the fae orchestrated the building of a 25,000 stadium was the reminder of a simpler seat stadium at Woodley in one week. A The Fort Lauderdale stadium offers a era. boundary rope was imported from India. beautiful interior setting for cricket. The Portacabins were transported to the field club house is three stories, contains a me- Fourteen years earlier when the Sri Lank- where they served as changing rooms for dia center integrated with an electronic an World Champions were invited to play the Australian A versus India A teams. scoreboard that can flash re-plays. at Woodley Cricket Complex in 1996, on The Australian team was captained by their triumphant return home the Southern Adam Gilchrist and introduced new play- Security was tight as security personnel California Sri Lankan community raised ers such as Andrew Symonds and fast- closed off the pavilion during broadcasts the required $25,000 fee in three days. bowler . The Indian team was to 88 nations on ESPN 3 (formerly ESPN Players stayed with families who earned captained by VVS Laxman. 360). Accommodation for both teams was the right to host their favorite cricketer in a five star Miami Hotel so transport no based on their contributions. Accommodation for both teams was at doubt required security clearance between the Airtel Hotel in Van Nuys. No secu- Miami and Fort Lauderdale. On the day of the event, tents decorated rity was required. On hotel arrival, the with the distinctive rampant lion on its red Australian manager, Alan Border imme- Jamaica in their distinctive canary yellow background, went up around the ground. diately sent the team nutritionist into the uniforms was the sharper team in fielding The Sri Lankan players fraternized com- Airtel kitchens to see how the food was and batting. With two blinding catches at fortably as the predominantly African- prepared. The Australian pre-match prep- mid-wicket and loaded with former West American Los Angeles Krickets looked aration stood as a stark contrast to that of Indian players, the Jamaicans clearly ben- on in awe at such humility on display. It the Indian team. efitted from having played together on a provided a sharp contrast from high five regular basis. bump and grind of America’s profes- Three matches were played which Aus- sional athletes, as the Sri Lankans gave tralia dominated. When the matches were The New Zealand partnership engineered the homeless team a brilliant moment in over, a hat was passed around the ground by USACA CEO Don Lockerbie has the their sunshine, after Mark Azeez negotiat- to raise funds for a ten over encore in laudable goal of strengthening USACA’s ed a six-over match with America’s first which Symonds put on a brilliant display administrative capabilities. Hosting an homeless team, just returned from their of power hitting as balls were deposited international cricket match requires con- own triumphant tour of England. for six in the Haskell Creek. siderable pre-planning in these days of heightened tension. Two Fort Lauderdale After Arvind Jasauriya hit the Los Angles Over the three day event five thousand SWAT teams patrolled the cricket team on Kricket’s all over the park, the stage was spectators fraternized with the players. the prowl for terrorists. set for the big game against the United Local Australian troubadour Jim Manzie States captained by John Morton. The picked up his guitar and led the Aussies in Once New Zealand opened the batting in match had its highlights. A brilliant in- singing Waltzing Matilda. The US is the the first game with Sri Lanka, six cameras nings by Jasauriya displayed batting’s lat- easiest country in the world to fraternize around the ground focused on cricket’s est technical advances. with cricket heroes. finer points in the middle, the greater po- litical drama swirled beyond and above Local hero, Hopeton Barratt’s 28 in two I was jolted from this moment of reverie the boundary. Overhead a small Cessna overs showed the local opposition was not by cheerleaders gyrating to reggae music aircraft towed a banner demanding Gen- easily dominated. Barratt had immigrated following Rick McCullum brilliant trade- eral Fonseca be released. In Sri Lanka’s to California after tasting the benefits of continued on page 13

12 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 continued from page 12

League in 1976. Alan Border was left to tary he has nurtured strong relationships pick up the pieces of Australia’s team as with city politicians, predominantly of Ian Chappell help pioneer the future on Chinese lineage, who have encouraged One Day Professional cricket. his efforts through the granting of permits at local parks and schools for playing Alan Border was manager of the 1999 cricket. Australian A team. The respect Ian Chap- pell had for Alan Border twenty years On the international level the Indian Pre- after the split was palpable as they ex- mier Cricket League has launched a trial changed banter about “the Gatting ball,” balloon discussing the viability of play- and fielded calls on their cell phones from ing games in the US. This has been done cricket fans and administrators around successfully in Canada where the Sahara Sri Lanka the world. For relaxation, Chappell and Cup between India and Pakistan has been Border sharpened their hand-eye coordi- a huge financial success for its backers. nation against the 80mph setting on the The IPL approach and Don Lockerbie baseball gun. initiative focuses on the TV revenues gar- nered from transmission to South-Asian Don Lockerbie may not have the cricket markets. This exclusive model, unless chops to rise above the fray like Alan mandated otherwise, negates grass-roots Border or Ian Chappell but he does have development for American cricketers. the courage of a genuine athlete and John It’s all about playing to Indian audience. Thickett to fall back on. American Cricket would simply be the pawn in a larger business chess-game. Leeds born John Thickett with his Harvard MBA and a Loughborough engineering The rhetoric of this exclusive approach New Zealand degree has already helped USACA turn has been trotted out for over a decade mark scoop six, one had to marvel at the around financially taking it from $100,000 now. Local stakeholders, cricket acade- timing and athleticism that made play off to $1million in revenues in two years. His mies funded by local families, long estab- such seem so effortless. frequent visits to the ICC headquarters lished cricket associations splintered to in Dubai have increased the ICC’s con- leagues of eight teams to garner USACA An intense fitness and flexibility regime fidence in USACA governance leading membership, become the Trojan horse for has raised the coordination capabilities to participation in ICC events after a five exclusive Indian commercial control of of the players. Both New Zealand and Sri year ban. The five year plan according to the game. Lanka’s cricketers spent an hour before Austin based Thickett, is to raise revenues the game performing a gamut of warm-up to $5million and re-invigorate US grass- Schools and women’s cricket remains un- routines. Picking up the ball on the run, roots through regular zonal competition funded. Meanwhile eighty year old asso- rifling it into a goal or a coaches baseball and increased playing time. ciations with proven administrative skill, mitt, kicking a soccer ball around, catch- such as the Southern California Cricket ing balls on the run hit with a tennis racket This plan should work but there are Association remain excluded from the or small scoop bat. The intense pre-game countervailing political currents. As Don political process. Its eighty year tradi- drills were interspersed with flexibility Lockerbie courts media money through tion of perpetual trophy giving has been and yoga stretching exercises using styro- ICC staged events, cricket in Silicon Val- systematically destroyed by local cupid- foam cylinders to loosen hip flexors. ley funded by the Indian community offer ity. The best trophy silverware has been a grass-roots development option. Dehli carted off to India and replaced by plastic Ian Chappel, ESPN’s commentator, re- born and Stanford trained lawyer Dhruv replicas. ported proceedings as he had with Mike Khanna remains the true face of amateur “Whispering Death” Holding a decade cricket with his two Kirgin pitches near Both at the national and local level, earlier, for Jimmy Mascarenhas World Tel Gilroy. Los Angeles SCCA league crick- Cricket in America finds’ itself at a cul- network.One could not help but admire eters regularly travel the 280 miles up the tural crossroads. Will there be a vision de- Ian Chappell’s durability both a cricketer 101 to play Northern California all star veloped that incorporates these changes and cricket personality. teams on his grounds. or will the politics degenerate into attack- ing how the money, brought by improved Inured by the perspective of growing-up By contrast, in Cupertino Hemant Busch’s governance is spent. Above all Cricket in in a cricket family, Chappell has been on California Cricket Academy has offered a America needs integrity and respect for the cutting edge of cricket since he joined decade of training for young cricketers in diverse view points at the top, if the game Kerry Packer’s Professional Cricket Cupertino. Working with Cupertino Ro- is to prevail.

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 13 The Fielder Clarence Modeste

What is Not Allowed and or signaling “No ball”. A. A fielder using the discarded glove(s) of the wicket-keeper. Fielders Encroaching on “The Pitch” B. Fielding the ball by using a cap, hat or While the ball is in play and until the ball has helmet. made contact with the bat or person of the C. The fielder uses clothing he is wearing striker, or has passed the striker’s bat, no fielder, to field the ball. The fielder is allowed other than the bowler, may have any part of his to clutch the ball to his person in taking person grounded on or extended over the pitch. a catch but is not allowed to pull out the Infringement of this Law by any fielder other bottom of his sweater to form a pouch in than the wicket-keeper will result in the umpire Clarence Modeste catching it. at the bowler’s end calling and signaling “No D. If the ball hits a cap, hat or helmet thrown ball” as soon as possible after the of ther than the wicket-keeper, no member to the ground by a fielder accidentally, the ball. Oof the fielding side is permitted to wear 5 penalty runs will be awarded to the gloves or external protective leg guards. batting side. The width of the pitch is defined as 10 feet and Protection for the hand or fingers may be worn E. If the ball hits any discarded item left no fielder, other than the bowler, is allowed only with the consent of the umpires. on the field of play by the fielding side 5 to have any part of his person grounded or penalty runs will be awarded. extended over the pitch until the ball has: Any member of the fielding team may wear A. hit the striker’s bat, or a helmet but no other external protective In all cases of illegal fielding 5 penalty runs B. hit the striker’s person, or equipment is permitted. A helmet worn by are awarded to the batting side. Whenever C. passed the striker’s bat a fielder is considered part of his person. such fielding is deliberate a report is filed as However, a striker cannot be out/Caught if the mentioned. If the illegal fielding is accidental And what of the fielder’s shadow? The shadow ball in play is caught after hitting the helmet. a report is not made. It is strongly advised that is not part of the fielder’s person. However, the Other protective equipment may be worn all items of equipment or clothing, if not held fielder must make sure that his shadow does inside a player’s normal clothing and is thus by the umpire, be removed completely beyond not move during the period between when covered and invisible. the boundary line. the bowler starts his run-up and the striker’s attempt to play the ball. The umpire will make If a fielder wishes to have some part of his The only piece of equipment that is allowed on sure that the shadow does not distract the hand or finger taped for protection, he may do the field is a fielder’s helmet and this, when not striker. so but, only with the consent of the umpires. worn, must be placed behind the wicket-keeper Such protection does not extend to gloves of in line with the two . More than one Movement by Fielders any type. The opposing captain has no right fielder’s helmet may be placed in line here but Any significant movement by any fielder after of objection. not a helmet belonging to a batsman. In spite the ball comes into play and before the ball of this being the only place on the ground the reaches the striker is unfair. In the event of Fielding The Ball helmet is allowed should the ball in play come such unfair movement, either umpire shall call A fielder may field the ball with any part of his in contact with it, 5 penalty runs will apply. and signal “Dead ball”. person but, while the ball is in play he willfully fields it otherwise: In each case where the ball comes in contact Definition of Significant Movement A. The ball shall become dead and 5 penalty with a helmet, other equipment or clothing A. For close fielders anything other than runs shall be awarded to the batting side. the ball becomes automatically dead and 5 minor adjustments to stance or position in And the ball shall not count as one of the penalty runs are awarded to the batting side. relation to the striker is significant. Over. The only exception is where the batsman made B. In the outfield, fielders are permitted to B. The umpire shall inform the other no attempt to play the ball with his bat nor tried move in towards the striker or striker’s umpire, the captain of the fielding side, to avoid being hit by the ball. Since runs are wicket. Anything other than slight the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, not allowed to batsmen in such cases neither movement off line or away from the the captain of the batting side of whart has will penalty runs apply. striker is to be considered significant. occurred. C. The striker is entitled to know where C. The umpires together shall report the Limitation of Fielders on the “On Side” all fielders, including the wicket-keeper occurrence as soon as possible to the At the instant of the bowler’s delivery there are, when the ball comes into play. It is Executive of the fielding side and any shall not be more than two fielders, other unfair for the wicket-keeper to make any Governing Body responsible for the than the wicket-keeper, behind the popping significant movement towards the wicket match. If the act is deliberate, the report crease on the “On (leg) Side”. A fielder will after the ball comes into play. If he does is made; if accidental, the report is not be considered to be behind the popping crease so the umpire will call and signal “Dead made. unless his whole person, grounded or in the ball”. air, is in front of this line. An infraction on this limitation will result in either umpire calling Reference: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring 14 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 Fabulous Cricket in fantastic Cape Town Peter McDermott he 5th World Vintage Cricket Carnival won if we could catch the ball”, so Twas held in Cape Town between Sun- would most teams! day 21st March and Saturday 27th March, 2010. A total of 26 teams took part com- • Past New Zealand International, ing from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Northern Ewen Chatfield trundling away for Ireland, England, Netherlands, Australia, the Internationals-looking and bowl- New Zealand and South Africa. In addi- ing just as he did 30 years or so ago tion assorted players came from Scotland, when he used to open the bowl- Wales, Ireland, Canada and USA. Over ing with Sir and he 50 cricket clubs were represented by the would have taken more wickets if close on 400 players who took part. people could only catch the ball.

Twelve host clubs worked hard to ensure a Through the generosity of the teams warm welcome, friendly cricket and great and our sponsors we have been able to hospitality on each of the match days. Chris Brothers at Fisantekraal make donations of equipment and cash Visiting teams, players and supporters all to Khayelitsha Cricket Club and to the agreed that the hospitality was amongst Just Called to Say I Love You” into Bennie and Shirley Rabinowitz Cricket the best experienced at any Carnival and their shoe phones. Trust in support of grassroots and town- was enjoyed to the maximum at every op- ship cricket. portunity. • Ken Connelly, the manager of the Stragglers from Zimbabwe grabbing So it is on to Wellington, New Zealand for The Carnival was fortunate to have the the guitar and singing more profes- the 6th World Vintage Cricket Carnival to support of the Western Province Cricket sionally than the entertainer at the be held in March 2012. A delegation from Club who hosted the Opening Function Big Day Out at Welbedacht. Wellington gave a presentation at the Fi- at the world famous Newlands Cricket nale Dinner that outlined all that Welling- Ground and the closing function at their • Stragglers of Zimbabwe soundly ton has to offer including a great list of fabulous club rooms. defeating the Fingletoads of New local cricket ambassadors...Grant Baker Zealand in a riotous singing contest (Tawa Turtles Golden Oldies), Bryan Clive van Ryneveld, a former England despite the Fingletoads having wel- Waddle (Radio New Zealand cricket com- Rugby representative and South African come assistance from the baritones mentator for over 25 years), Cricket Captain was Carnival Patron and from Bellville. (former New Zealand Test and ODI star a knowledgeable participant in the week’s and currently CEO of Wellington Cricket) activities. His recollection of past South • Merrick Pringle hitting 6 sixes in an and Ewen Chatfield (former New Zealand African Cricket Test matches was particu- over for Edgemead against an op- Test and ODI opening bowler). larly enjoyed by those who were able to position who asked their bowler and meet with him. their team name remain confidential. The final word on Vintage Cricket comes from Andre Odeendal, Chief Executive The host clubs who took a full part in the • Dennis Page scoring a very rare Vin- of Western Province Cricket Associa- Carnival were superb and not only pro- tage Cricket century for Gardens Old tion and truly represents all that the Cape vided Cape Town hospitality to the full Boys against Ulster Grasshoppers- Town Carnival stood for. “At a time when but also provided excellent pitches, facili- 117 of a total of 189 which cricket is taking off in unprecedented ties, grounds and teams who played in the included 20 extras and in which the ways at the top commercial levels your true Carnival spirit. They were mostly a next highest score was 11. And it was presence...reminds us that the soul of bit strong for the visiting teams but played all in vain as Ulster Grasshoppers cricket still resides in the hundreds of in a manner that ensured all players could cruised to victory. thousands of players from many differ- enjoy their participation on and off the ent backgrounds in many different places field. • Visiting teams drinking a toast (quite who play the game socially for the love a strong one) and saluting the Groot of it promoting respect and understanding There are great memories of the Carni- Drakenstein flag before taking the amongst people in the process”. val. field and promptly dropping 4 catch- • Who can forget the Hercules Hell- es which at least provided an excuse men from the Netherlands singing “I for yet another loss. “We would have

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 15 PHOTO GALLERY World Cup T20 2010 - Providence Stadium, Guyana

Former Sri Lankan Captain Providence Stadium, Guyana Former Captain of England Mahela Jayawaradene Nasser Hussain

Cheerleaders having fun Freddie and Naz N. Khan

Keeping cool with some refreshments Sri Lanka Captain K. Sangakkara New Zealand Black Caps

16 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 PHOTO GALLERY

USACA T20 2010 - Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

The Black Caps warming up Captains shake hands after the coin toss Sri Lanka warming up Sri Lanka and New Zealand

Jamaica joining the festivities Don Lockerbie and USACA officials Gladstone Dainty and a USACA official

Commissioner Jones and Mayor Kaplan and USACA therapist Cricketers in action Chandradath Singh Massood

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 17 HEALTH & FITNESS Cricket and Injury Prevention Rickie Ali

hat is Repetitive cumulative Trau- tion periods in your training program Wma disorder (RCTD) and Pattern (often called amortization, stability or re- Over-load? All Sports require athletes to cuperative training phases), this is where perform the same pattern of movement you back off the hard work and do more over and over again. This simply means joint-pre-habilitation movements, utilize that muscles and joints are doing the same massage therapy and if necessary correc- repetitive job day – after – day – after – tive exercise and stretches for the very day. immobile and tight areas).

Unfortunately if preventative measures Basically when we use muscles over – are not incorporated, the cumulative and – over again they become tight, and stress will take it’s toll and you begin to pull excessively on bones, bones then pull feel a little ache here and there, then it excessively at joints, if we do not main- goes away after a few days of stretching, tain flexibility and range of motion, tight rest and ice (providing you did stretch and muscles cannot do their jobs, resulting applied rest and ice, most people do not in other muscles jumping in to help and even address this), however as time goes consequently doing to much work, this on the aches become more severe and the develops trigger points and fascia prob- Single leg squat Start Finish (saggital/ time taken to go away becomes longer. lems, together with tightness movement frontal/ transverse plane) is impaired along with the nervous sys- Eventually you may find that the joint tems ability to effectively recruit the right This unilateral movement is tri-planar, pain is a bit more constant and very nag- sequence of muscles to perform work. it improvers core stability and corrects ging, in addition you may recognize that Continuing in this manner causes joint ankle/ knee/ hip (pelvic) position and performance levels begin to decline (you and muscle stress leading to pain and in- their integrated movement in a balanced may lose one or more bio-motor ability jury. challenged activity. It also targets scapular/ speed, flexibility, balance, coordination, thoracic posture and will achieve single power, strength, endurance, agility and The following range of motion/ dynamic leg strength from the lumbar spine, hip consequently overall mobility). Unfor- flexibility movements are only a handful to the ankle. Improves balance and the tunately by the time these symptoms are of many that can be used to correct ability to stand on one leg to throw/ bat apparent a problem has already occurred, certain issues/ kinetic chain problems, etc. and it is way past the time to stop doing however these are only a few examples and seek help. (the following pictures were taken from PTONTHENET.COM a fitness site For the cricketer joint pain along with bio- dedicated to higher education for fitness motor loss in one or more area translate to professionals like myself). a loss with timing and power, that trans- lates to loss in direction and speed, bats- In order to be effective a comprehensive men will be unable to move their feet to kinetic chain movement screen, posture get to the ball and time their shots in order analysis and core assessment must be to explore the gaps in the field-placement. performed first in order to determine Bowlers are unable to generate velocity the specific problem area(s), only then (speed) and power and direct this to the can a specific goal oriented program appropriate spots (finding length) on the can be designed for the individual that playing pitch. Pain, loss of mobility and targets their weaknesses first. The goal flexibility leads to poor body mechanics is to achieve balance efficient movement that translates to poor fielding, throwing when the body engages in any movement and catching as well. pattern without the risk of injury. Rotational lunge with medicine ball (transverse/ frontal/ saggital plane) If not addressed RCTD and pattern over- load will catch up to you, bowl you over, This movement improves mobility of knocking you back for a six. The key is incorporating, recuperative and restora- continued on page 26

18 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 The Friendship Cup Vinod Gulati

TFC Board member Amita Singh stated - Beach, the South Florida Tamil Sangam “TFC is about giving players an opportu- -”Seamers”, the Punjabi Association of nity to be on a team and play a sport they South Florida - “Tigers”, the Sindhi Asso- can relate to and relive the memories of ciation of Florida - “Warriors”, the Kerala a school, a college or backyard in India. Association of Central Florida - “Strik- It is for weekend cricketers to experience ers” and the Samundar Club of Florida - the thrill of competition and enjoy the “Pirates”. unique camaraderie of a Cricket team. All teams had a great time competing and This is normally something only profes- the matches were competitive and well sional and league players get to enjoy, contested. The final on March 28th took but we felt that there is no reason why place in the main stadium, and was very weekend cricketers cannot have the same well attended by lovers of the sport and experience. Indians are used to playing their families who enjoyed a fun filled where ever they can find space - maidans, day of food, music, family get together he Friendship Cup” (TFC) is an streets, even narrow lanes - but here we and of course Cricket. Also in attendance annual invitational - generally in “T have a world class facility, created spe- as the guest of honor was the West Indies March, hardball T20 Cricket Tournament cifically for Cricket and we are taking full great Mr. Clive Lloyd, who spent the en- held at the only Cricket Stadium in the advantage of it. tire day enjoying the games and presented USA located in sunny Lauderdale, Flor- the trophies to the winners, the “SFTS ida. The event is organized by a group of The TFC 2010 final in the main stadium Seamers”. friends purely on a non-profit voluntary was the first time most of the participants basis, and features teams drawn from the were playing in a Cricket stadium, with We hope that in 2011 the tournament will Indian ex-pat community. be even better, bigger and more exciting, with lots As per the TFC Crick- of thrilling Cricket and et council chair, Mr. more new friendships. Gaurav Dixit - “so far we have featured The TFC does have its teams from Florida, own team - the TFC but the ultimate goal Kings, who play with is to grow the TFC other local teams and into the premium ama- invite teams to travel teur Cricket event for down for very interesting the Indian (and South match series. According Asian) ex-pat commu- to TFC President Vinod nities in the US. With Gulati - “for all of us at this in mind we look “thefriendshipcup” - it’s forward to inviting all about having fun, more and more teams playing a sport we love, from all over the US and bringing the many to participate and have Indian Clubs and Asso- lots of fun in the Flor- The Winning Cup and the great legend, Mr. Clive Lloyd, memories to last a ciations all together un- ida sun.” life time der one roof. What better an electronic scoreboard, live commen- way than playing cricket! Come join us!” The goal of TFC is to provide a whole- tary and a DJ and Dholi! I doubt if any of some fun opportunity to amateur cricket- the players will ever forget the day.” ers of all ages to enjoy the game in one of the best facilities in North America and to Mr. Gaurav Dixit further stated - the 2nd promote the game among our youth who annual edition of TFC ran over 6 weeks otherwise do not get exposed to the sport in February-March 2010, and included 6 of Cricket in the US. teams - the BAPS - “Lions” of Boynton

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 19 INTERNATIONAL CRICKET US boys finish 15th at ICC U-19 World Cup Vinode Mamchan

he United States Under-19 cricket med’s 70 from 90 balls and 30 from the of six ODIs for the senior side came in Tteam finished 15th out of 16 teams in No. 9 Asad Ghous. Adam Zampa picked mighty handy, and when Stirling was the International Cricket Council (ICC) up three wickets with his legbreak goo- eventually dismissed for a 102-ball 114, Under-19 World Cup in January/Febru- glies. Ireland needed just nine to win. ary this year. In their second game the North Ameri- Canada was up next and a keen battle The US boys were not expected to cre- can boys were pitted against powerhouse was anticipated against the cross border ate any major upsets in the tournament South Africa and feared little better. Josh rivals. However, rained dashed the hopes but the experience they gained ‘Down Richards’ decision to field proved the of all the players, as the US reached 13 Under’ would put them in good stead as right one, as South Africa’s bowlers dis- without loss in three overs, when the they continue their development as an as- missed USA for 163 in 49.5 overs and the heavens opened up and that was that. sociate member of the ICC. chase was an easy one. This was the ninth place play off and Canada qualified for the semi-finals of The US left the tournament on a winning Graham Hume and Dale Deeb were the the Plate Championship after the wash- note beating Afghanistan Under-19s in main wreckers with three wickets each out by virtue of their better position in the the final play off. It was a no-contest as and the best personal score of the innings group stage. After this unfortunate situa- Afghanistan crashed to 86 all out and sur- was 41 from the No. 3, Greg Sewdial. tion Uncle Sam’s Boys were left fighting rendered the 15th place Playoff. A com- The middle order put up no fight and it for the 13th place and came up against bined effort by the USA bowlers bundled needed the lower order to lift USA from an establish cricket nation in Zimbabwe. them out within 33 overs, with Hammad 111 for 7. Batting first the US got to 115 all out and Shahid and Saqib Saleem taking three Zimbabwe responded well with 119 for wickets each. USA needed just 14.2 Needing a huge win against Ireland to five. After this match the US dealt with overs to polish off the target, with Steven have a chance of staying in the cham- Afghanistan to finished as the 15th place Taylor leading the way with 30. pionship, the US, crashed out. Fifties to team in the tournament. Steven Taylor and Saqib Saleem had put In all the US played six matches winning USA on track for a more substantial to- Australia followed the lead of their senior one and losing five. They opened their tal than their eventual 217, but a collapse team as they shut down Pakistan’s chal- campaign against the eventual winners triggered by a return spell from new-ball lenge to claim their third Under-19 World of the tournament and did not fair well. bowler Craig Young and Lee Nelson’s Cup trophy. Azeem Ghumman’s boys had They lost the match by 108 runs. part-time offspin had them folding in a chance to give the country some cheer 48.1 overs. when they held their opponents to 207 USA had done well to dismiss Australia for 9. It proved to be too many as Josh inside 50 overs for 262 but a dramatic Young’s dismissal of Andy Mohammad Hazlewood and Australia’s spinners took collapse to 28 for 7 left their chances of had not deterred USA, who through Tay- control to dismiss Pakistan for 182 to end an upset win done and dusted. Leading lor (57) and Greg Sewdial (30) were mak- a nervy chase. the rout with a new-ball performance that ing good progress. Even though Ireland would have made his father Craig proud, dismissed the pair within the space of The West Indies meanwhile, did very Alister McDermott slashed USA’s top or- two runs, Saleem and Ryan Corns contin- well in the tournament and reached the der open. After having Steven Taylor lbw ued to fight on and at 168 for 3 in the 37th semi-finals, after starting the tournament (leg before wicket) in the fourth over, over USA were still well placed. But Nel- with a chance of reaching thus far, ac- McDermott sent back Ryan Corns and son ran out Corns for 31, Young returned cording to the cricketing pundits. Henry Wardley in the space of three de- to strike twice in successive overs, and liveries in his next over. Fellow new-ball Nelson, in a three-wicket burst, dashed However, the Barbadian trio of Kraigg operator Josh Hazlewood’s first-class ex- USA’s hopes. Brathwaite, Shane Dowrich and Jason perience with New South Wales came to Holder performed very well and with a the fore as he chipped in with three wick- Paul Stirling, after Ireland lost two wick- little more luck, they would have reached ets, adding to USA’s woes. ets, carried the chase superbly. He lost the finals but went out courtesy of Paki- four partners along the way but his pres- stan in the semis. From a disastrous 28 for 7 in ten overs, ence meant USA were always struggling the USA were boosted by Andy Moham- to defend a small total. The experience

20 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 MARKETPLACE

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 21 England go winless, and go to second Trent Johnson to pull the English score round: down to 120/8 in 20 overs. The irony was written large, as Irish-born, and having So, going into this third edition of the represented Ireland in the 2007 edition of World T20, barring the really die-hard the World Cup as well, Eoin Morgan ma- English supporter or one inebriated after a noeuvred a 37-ball 45 to take England to a heavy night’s binge would have probably respectable score. given the rank outsiders – 10/1 at the start of the tournament – to clinch it. Those The rains pattered down again, and much Suneer Chowdhary with a saner disposition had probably ex- to the chagrin of Andy Flower, who was pected another similar result as the before, seen gesticulating in frustration at an The Bridesmaid, who became the while, the pessimist had predicted a loss impending revised target that could go Bride: A World T20 Review to neighbors and the so-called, lesser team against them again. As it turned out, only of the tournament, Ireland in the very first 21 balls of the Irish innings were possible As a young boy growing up in a cricket round of the competition, and in turn, a before the game was called off, aban- fond country of India, I had quickly first round ouster. doned, and England became the first team learned to follow the sport from across the in World T20 to go through to the second globe. Even as a kid, I had realized that It almost petered out like that. In a com- round without a win under their belt. most critics in the 1980s and the 90s, had petition, with a format that can hit hard a special affinity towards England and if taken lightly, not a lot of blame can be There were all too familiar, and rather panning them with vitriolic was as sec- pinned on England for their first game glaring worries for the English side. The ond nature to them as cooking was to my loss to West Indies. After all, T20 is often batting had depended too heavily on Mor- mom. Probably, it was not without reason described as cricket for the casino lovers; gan in both games, and Collingwood and that when England went down in the fi- slam-bang and a prayer is probably all that Kevin Pietersen had barely shown the nal of the 1992 edition of the World Cup, is needed to win the games. Add to that signs of too much form. The bowling, on that a headline in one of the local dailies the inscrutable Duckworth-Lewis system the other hand was hardly tested thanks to had proclaimed, “Always the Bridesmaid, and one gets a hodgepodge that would the rain, and when you combine that with Never the Bride!” probably need an alchemist to decipher its a grumpy captain, the concoction was elements. hardly a tournament-winning one. As it Nobody knew why, and not many experts would prove, it would all fall into the right were able to put a finger on the reasons, You had to give it to Paul Collingwood’s places and almost suddenly. but in the 17 ICC tournaments at the se- incense. Here was a side that had topped nior, international levels – including the a total of 191 in their 20 overs, which, India, Australia dominate, South World Cups, World T20 and the Champi- incidentally was a joint-second highest Africa struggle: ons Trophy – leading up to the 2010 edi- score in the competition. Yet, they had tion of the ICC World T20, the inventors managed to lose the game, only because In the meantime, among the others, West of the sport had got to the final only four it seemed like the rain gods had whispered Indies had brushed aside the Irish chal- times, and lost on each of those occasions. sweet nothings into the formula’s ears and lenge to enter the second round well. India The T20s had been much the same. assured that the hosts had to get to only and South Africa qualified from Group C, 60 runs off six overs instead. The formula but not before India had handed the Pro- The latest format of the game, had also owners may have had a lot to say to the teas and Afghanistan a drubbing, while been thrust upon the fans by England. It English captain in defense, but the vanilla the pair of Sri Lanka and New Zealand had been lapped up with so much fervour fact looks whiter than unadulterated milk; managed to go through to the next round that it had given rise to a club cricket com- in its current form, the system assists the too. South Africa managed a win over petition, big enough to enter the fourth team batting second much more than it the first-timers Afghanistan, but barely spot in the list of all-time biggest sports should. looked convincing and portrayed enough brands of the world. Unfortunately, much evidence as sign of things to come. like the rest of cricket and its tournaments, Duckworth-Lewis almost came back to England had flattered much in both the haunt the side again, and their campaign All eyes, though, were on the Group A, previous editions of the World T20, only seemed to be slipping towards an earlier where defending champions Pakistan, to deceive the supporters hard and crash finish than expected. In the second league and in all probability, the biggest under- out tamely in the second round of the game, Ireland had combined the sticky achievers of T20 cricket, Australia, were competitions. pitch conditions at Guyana along with joined by Bangladesh to make it a group some excellent bowling from their skipper of death. Each of the sides had a story for

22 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 themselves, as they went into the tourna- had batted in the second round, the woes match, but the loss to England looked ment. The PCB had banned some of its seemed systemic and like they would too grievous to their health as they went key players, and were being led by Shahid have no option but to resurface each time down without a fight to Pakistan. Usually, Afridi for the first time since the Bite-gate. a pitch at Barbados or its like, would rear the South African side has been dubbed Australia, on the other hand, had crashed its head up. as chokers for their abysmal finishing in out of the World T20 in the last edition in tournaments. This was the one exception, the first round, and looked as comfortable Australia, on the other hand seemed like when the side did not really choke as it did in this format, as using chopsticks for the they had more than a point to prove. They not get to that final stage! first time, and in a business dinner with a were uncomplicated and uninhibited. And Chinese client. out to kill. Even then, it needed New Zealand to only beat a Pietersen-less England, to enter the Bangladesh, being the side they had been Pakistan and Bangladesh had been blown semi-finals along with them in the final in the past, were unpredictable and at best, away by their pace battery, and when the Super Eights game. But, the momentum with an ability to sting hard if taken for action turned to Barbados, the troubles for was firmly with the English, who crashed granted. However, it simply was not Ban- the opposition multiplied tremendously. the Kiwi party and allowed Pakistan to go gladesh’s tournament. They were beaten Dirk Nannes wove an amazing story of through to the semi-final through the door rather comfortably by both, Australia and how cricketing talent can be unearthed that is usually at the back of the house. Pakistan and bowed out. Meanwhile, in a even in Holland, while , for clinical display of cricket, Australia got once, overcame inconsistency, despite his The Asian Armada comes to grinding the better of Pakistan to romp into the sec- raw pace and had their Super Eights op- halt: ond round of the tournament; the Super position, India, Sri Lanka and West Indies Eight Stage. baffled. All four finalists in the previous editions of the World T20s have been teams from All the eight fancied teams had evaded India were bowled over for 135, Sri Lanka the sub-continent. And with Pakistan and any upset, and gone through to the Super garnered only 87, and West Indies scored Sri Lanka in the semi-final, it seemed like Eights. 105 against Australia, and the annihilation the history could repeat itself, especially was complete. given that the action was to move away Super Eights at the hot, pacy Barba- from Barbados and to the more sub-con- dos: Kangaroos leapfrog over the rest West Indies and Sri Lanka were involved tinent-like conditions in Gros Islet in St. in a keen tussle for a semi-final’s berth. Lucia. The new track at Barbados welcomed the But with Sri Lanka to play India and West eight sides for the second round of the Indies to take on Australia in their last, England was having nothing of it. Pieters- competition. It was difficult to predict the must-win games, the scales were heav- en had flown almost 9000 miles to return eventual champions, but Australia looked ily tilted in the Islanders’ favor. And they to the English side and he manoeuvred the best, while India had been offered the scraped through to the knock-out stage. the Lankans away with a 26-ball 42. Of second best odds by the bookies. course, the win was set up by the English Chokers choke before their turn, while bowlers, who restricted the Lankans to As it turned out, the 2007 champions were England assist Pakistan through to semis 128 in the 20 overs. simply blown apart by all the three teams The other Super Eights group seemed failed for once, and much like the relation- in the Super Eights; Australia, West Indies more interesting. England looked to have ship between the Indian totals and Sachin and Sri Lanka. The short ball proved to forgotten their first round games like a Tendulkar’s batting form of the late 1990s, be their nemesis once again, and the les- bad bout of nightmare, and went about Sri Lanka also capitulated without a fight. sons from the 2009 edition of tournament trampling all their three opponents. South looked like they were never learned. The Africa had been beaten by England in The other semi-final was probably the 2007 triumph seemed light years away, the warm-up games as well, and the dose match of the tournament. As is usually the even as the fans and experts looked for was repeated in Super Eights. Pietersen, case, Pakistan’s performance in the tour- excuses to pass the buck, and their frustra- who had twice been dismissed playing nament was almost akin to that of the 1992 tion onto. The passé hobby of burning ef- pull strokes, locked that shot away in his World Cup; woeful through the league figies and reading out post-mortems came closet and slammed a couple of half cen- stages, scraped through to the semi-final and went, but the side still looks to find turies before rushing back to England for and a couple of convincing wins to take answers to the riddles that the T20 format his child’s birth. the trophy. Almost. Lightening failed to poses them. strike twice, as a shell-shocked Pakistani The Proteas had earlier recovered briefly IPL or no IPL, looking at the way the side to overcome New Zealand in their first continued on page 24

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 23 CARIBBEAN CRICKET CORNER “Perform or risk being dropped”, Gayle warns batsmen Imran Khan

est Indies Captain “Our batting display wasn’t up to scratch. where he started. We are looking to turn Whas warned that the Digicel Series Hopefully the guys can be ready physi- around the situation. The selectors have against South Africa could be the last cally and mentally. We’ve got to try and come up with new strategies and hope- chance for several non-performing bats- start fresh and take it from there,” Gayle fully when we come about the situation men in the squad. noted. hopefully they make the right choice,” Gayle said. Grilled at the pre-series media conference The opening batsman also said that should by Barbados Nation sports editor Haydn the selected batsmen continue to under- Gayle said that while there were no ma- Gill and Antiguan journalist Colin James, jor changes to the squad the players must Gayle said that performances of the bats- see this as a critical opportunity to redeem men in the recently concluded ICC World themselves. Twenty20 Tournament should have been a wake-up call. “Coming off the loss of the (ICC) T20s and coming up against a top team, it’s go- “It should be a wake-up call but from my ing to be difficult but it is for us to uplift point of view maybe it is a pressure situ- ourselves and rebound from where we ation. The couple of days off could have faltered,” Gayle said. let the players look into themselves a bit more and look to step up against South The West Indies crashed out of the ICC Africa,” Gayle asserted. T20 tournament after a heavy loss to Aus- tralia in a must win game in the Super South Africans are tough opponents, Eight stage. when you look at their bowling attack it Chris Gayle is one of the best in the world. perform the selectors could look to bring Windies squad: Chris Gayle (Captain), in players who are currently on the West Dwayne Bravo (Vice-Captain), Sulieman The challenge is once a particular bat- Indies A Team tour and singled out Trini- Benn, , Nars- ter can put his hand up and be counted, dadian top order batsman Darren Bravo. ingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Nikita then it should be good for them and the Miller, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin team,” Gayle said while highlighting that “That’s (the Windies A team) a good place (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Dar- the Windies batting in the ICC T20 was to start. (Darren) Bravo is doing pretty ren Sammy, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome below par. well. Hopefully he can continue from Taylor. continued from page 23 side were treated to some batting lessons pavilion with the Aussies still needing 52 ily the most important single of his life off by . off 21. And when departed the first delivery of the over from Saeed five runs later, the side required those 47 Ajmal, and Hussey then smoked two suc- Only a few months before this game, runs in the last 17 balls of the game. Sure- cessive deliveries over the fence to get the Hussey’s exclusion from the T20 set-up ly, they couldn’t win it from there! Aussies within five runs of the win. A four was a foregone conclusion. And yet, when later, albeit that could have been caught, he walked out to bat for Australia in the It was not that Pakistan did not see it com- the scores were level and Hussey then, semi-final, the Aussies had only just lost ing. The tension, both, on the field, and in and fittingly at that, crunched the next one half their side, and required a rather im- the dug-out, was palpable enough for one from Ajmal for a maximum to win his side probable 87 off a meagre 45 deliveries to realise that they knew that they only an improbable victory. to overhaul the Pakistani total, Hussey had a foot in the door. To get themselves looked to be the one man who could do a through to the final, Hussey needed to go. The reactions from the Pakistani camp Bevan and get them through. And when he did not for the next 11 deliv- were obviously dejected, but one line eries, and despite needing 18 off the last summarized the feeling. Speaking to the The Aussies looked dead, buried and with six balls, the Pakistani side knew that they media, their new coach, Waqar Younis re- a final nail being drilled into their coffins, were up against it. marked with a lot of sadness, “I am still when had hit the final of shocked we lost that one!” his five sixes and was walking back to the grabbed, what was eas-

24 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 CARIBBEAN CRICKET CORNER 2010 SFCA Sims Cup Classic Competition Final Guyana completely outplays Jamaica, winning easily to take SFCA Sims Cup Ricardo Inniss

put a bit of respectability on the score- The best of the bowlers for Jamaica, were board. After this there was not much re- left-arm orthodox leg-spinner Gayle, sistance, and the Jamaica innings folded who bagged 3 for 32 from 7 overs, fast- for a modest 155 off 34.3 overs. man Redwood with 2 For 43 from 8 and medium-pacer Owen Roper with 1 for 12 Bowling for Guyana, Shareef prised out from 7, including 1 maiden. 3 for 26 from 6 overs, one of which was a maiden, left-arm orthodox leg-spinner In summation, Guyana’s captain Masood Vickram Ramoutar captured 2 for 20 from Mohamed said “we won because we Ricardo Inniss 7 overs, Skipper Masood scalped 2 for 21 bowled and batted much better, our with his leg-spin from 5.3 overs including fielding was excellent, and we took every Before a bumper crowd of enthusiastic 2 maidens and Imran Saddick, took 1 for opportunity offered. I guess it was our cricket fans, most of them favoring the 28 from 5 overs, also bowling leg-spin. day, and we grabbed it with both hands.” favorites Jamaica, and in conditions ideally suited for cricket, Guyana, In a positive reply, Guyana, led at the Unable to get hold of Ricardo Wilson, the underdogs, sprung a surprise by top by a solid 63 ball 56, decorated with Jamaica’s captain, I spoke with Mark completely outplaying Jamaica in every 7 elegantly stroked fours and 2 sixes Johnson who said, “ we batted poorly. For capacity, to convincingly capture the first from the consistent Earl Stephen, and a team with at least six batsmen capable ever 2010 SFCA Sims cup. All the action later backed up by a solid invaluable fifth of big scores, and a team that has been took place at the North Dade Middle wicket stand worth 62 match-winning runs averaging over 250 per innings in the School, on Sunday April 25. (after being 87 for 4), between Kayume competition, we just failed in our batting Mohamed in a defiant 54 ball knock of performance. Our shot-selection was very Electing to bat first after winning the 34, including 3 fours, and solid 31 (1 poor.” Congrats are in order to Guyana. toss, Jamaica was in big trouble early, as four & a six) off 51 balls from Vickram This is the first time they have won a Guyana’s right-arm opening medium-fast Kumar, and with Riad Mohamed and major (Trophy) competition. bowler Faizul Shareef, sent back Jermaine Andrew Permaul, both not out on 6 and Thompson, who was caught by Masood 3 respectively, reached 157 for six, and a The Umpires were, Max Diah and Mohamed at long-off for 6, Steven convincing four wicket victory that gave Winston Lewis. The scorers were Sylvan Taylor, caught by Masood at short-mid- them the 2010 SFCA Sims cup. Taylor and Mrs. Laxfami Ramoutar. All wicket before he could open his account, photos were taken by Ivor Henry. and Sunil Mittoo, who was caught by wicketer-keeper Rasheed Bacchus for a duck, to leave the “Reggae Boys” reeling on 13 for 3, after only 6 of the regulated 40 overs.

It took a well measured and resolute fourth wicket partnership worth 50 runs, between Mark Johnson who banged 4 fours in a solid 33 off 47 balls and Ken Wright, who cracked 3 fours in a just as solid 21 off 33 balls, to pull things around.

Fredrick Redwood, batting at number six topscored with a well played 61, spiced with 5 fours and 4 sixes, off 43 balls. Keyonie Gayle scored 14 (2fours) and was associated in a 41 run seventh wicket partnership with Redwood, that SFC Champions pose with trophy and flag

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 25 continued from page 18 compromises with overhead motions. NOTE: as arms drive upward knees and the lumbar-hip complex as they integrate pushed downward towards floor, do not with the calf and scapular in three planes allow back to arch and head to move of motion, excellent dynamic movement forward. that sets-up mobility tri-plane loading and function for numerous activities and functions.

Shoulder/ hip flick Improves lateral movement and integration of the ankle complex/ illio fmoral joint and thoraco-scapula complex, excellent for Spinal rotation w/ flexion and extension all positions (wicketkeepers can combine of the thoracic spine, used when there is this motion by going into to a deep squat limited range of motion between the hips first then performing this motion). to generate force and push force through to the shoulder/ arm, as in bowling and throwing.

NOTE: do not allow the hips to move backward or from side to side, the movement should occur at the shoulder and thoracic spine. The eventual goal is to rotate the body upward to achieve a twelve o’ clock position. Seated wall slides improves integrated function of hip-complex and scapular- For more information and to schedule a thoracic region comprehensive movement screen contact Rickie Ali at [email protected] or call Typically used with shoulder injuries or Shula’s Athletic Club at 305-820-8025 x 8

26 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 ABOUT PEOPLE Colin E. H. Croft Essentially Management Ltd.

lmost 2 metres tall, Crofty is a For example, his career as a trained, Alarger-than-life character in more operational commercial airline pilot al- ways than one. He has the kind of posi- lows him to make sound judgements on tive persona that has to be experienced weather conditions for play during any to be believed. It almost completely day – certainly, it is refreshing to listen contradicts what one would expect as to one who knows what he is talking a result of his very aggressive, highly about - real weather situations - rather productive and successful fast-bowling than guesses at what might happen next. international cricket career for the West As a class-room teacher, he has both the Indies cricket team in the very success- communication skills and vast experi- ful 1970’s and 1980’s. ences too.

A former team-mate honestly comment- Crofty is also not afraid to express fully Colin E. H. Croft ed: “Crofty would bounce his grand- what he thinks. He always gives reason- mother if she had a bat in her hand and ing to his thoughts and is not there to be questions in person. Please do feel free he thought there was a wicket in it”. In sycophantic or outright critical. to make contact with him. reality, Crofty is an insightful, honest, humorously eloquent and charming gi- An extremely reliable and professional Crofty aims to take his communications ant of a man. personality, Crofty gives much more career to the next level. We are confident than the average commentator. He that once Crofty has a ‘foot in the door’ Where Crofty stands out as a sports per- throws himself into his duties with real with your organization, you would want sonality/commentator is with his ability passion. to retain his services for future commu- to see things from varying perspectives, nications/media-based opportunities. since he has experiences in many other With his ever-growing commentary/ aspects of professional life. He displays media-based experience, he is more absolutely true objectivity and insight. than happy to speak and/or answer any

Fargson Ray 1934 - 2010 argson Ray, a.k.a “Ray” friendship they got married. Truly a liberator for many Fwas born in Maracaibo, As an Accountant, Ray was during difficult moments in Venezuela in 1934. Fargson methodical in everything he their lives. In this perspec- Ray lived on several Islands did including his favorite tive he can be viewed as Si- of the Caribbean. After sport of Tennis. Nominated mon Bolivar who is known completing his high school as President of the group as” the liberator” from Ven- diploma, he migrated to the of Tennis Players his posi- ezuela. He was the Accoun- U.S. to further his educa- tion was uncontested for 16 tant for American Crick- tion. years. eter since our inception and Deborah and I will miss him Ray completed his degree He brought tranquility to the dearly. in Finance and after work- group’s insidious arguments ing in the banking business on line calls, politics, crick- It seems that all of his ten- for years, he started his own et, religion and who would nis buddies are missing him Consultant and Account- be responsible for the next too. It has been allegedly re- ing Firm. In South Florida sessions’ food and beverage. ported to AC that since his where he was residing he He was an extremely kind passing there has been much met Janet who hails from man, thoughtful and always chaos in the tennis camp. Trinidad and after years of lent a helping hand.

Fargson Ray

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 27 Woodley Cricket Fields Political Complex David Sentance

he need for quality cricket grounds cates of natural preservation such as the lose our Old Marder ground to the coali- Tcapable of hosting international level Friends of Los Angeles River, The Haskell tion which was offset by the New Marder matches was highlighted by the Austra- River group and the Audubon Society ground. Ultimately, the Friends of LA lian XI’s tour of North America managed founded in North Carolina. The Friends River have the ideal of reverting to the by Arthur Mailey in 1932. Los Angeles of Los Angeles River were inspired by the original riparian ecology. They have been hosted the Australian in three matches at poet Louis McAdams and changed per- vocal in their opposition to Cliff’s Village UCLA. The resulting publicity in the De- ceptions of the LA River. Their activism Green. pression era was parlayed into four cricket prevented the Los Angeles River from be- grounds administered by the Griffith Park ing paved over as an expanded freeway. For now the bigger picture requires a co- Cricket Association. Many of the cricket- alition between cricketers and ecologist ers elected to the board of the association This coalition of nature preservations organizations while the Sepulveda Basin had a British military or academic back- would like to return the Los Angeles River Sports Complex Project, located on the ground and were well schooled in the art back to the days when it was first reported old sod farm west of Balboa, has been of administration. by Spanish-Mexican explorers. Indians designated for two baseball fields and were very low impact residents without a one soccer field. The projected cost of the A vaunted administrative ability with regular sanitary infrastructure. With the improvements is for three to five million strong connections to Hollywood’s power building of the Tillman Plant by the DWP dollars using Proposition K funds. The players was not sufficient to throw nature to the west of the Wong Cricket Field such Severn family attended the third meeting power in 1934 when floods caused by the ad-hoc sanitary arrangements were regu- so cricket has been put on the agenda. overflowing Los Angeles River carried larized for the urban environment. the west side Griffith Park fields into the There is a need for the cricketer’s voice Pacific Ocean. The flood lead to the pav- When Gene Wong, through nineteen to be heard in all these deliberations. Un- ing of the Los Angeles River. years of diligent stewardship with Recre- til now the cricketers have been blithely ation and Parks finally won the lease to indifferent except for Cliff and Paul Cricket continued unmolested in Grif- two new cricket fields from DWP’s sani- Servern to the political forces whirling fith Park on the remaining two fields un- tary control district, they were built in around their cricket sancturary. Our col- til the equestrian community in Burbank 1995. Over $250,000 of irrigation systems lective voice needs to be heard both on sought to exclude the cricket community were laid down on land “borrowed” from Tillman and the Sepulveda Basin Sport from their rapidly rising real-estate val- the Tillman Sanitation District. Tillman Complex as part of the USACE master- ues alongside the Los Angeles River. In now wants to expand across the Wong plan or it will be co-opted for us. 1976, President of the Southern California Ground made famous internationally by Cricket Association (which changed its the Australia A v India A 1999 One Day We have time owing to the recession legal entity status from the Griffith Park Test series all the way to Haskell Creek on which has reduced the urgency for the Association to SCCA non-profit 501.c.3 its eastern boundary. Tillman Plant expansion, which would be corporate status in 1966) was handed a automatically funded by rates. The United notice to quit the cricket fields in dramatic The Haskell Creek group are concerned States Cricket Association could be quite fashion as two teams took the field. the expansions of Tillman could destroy helpful by putting on one major cricket their conservations efforts over the last event each year necessitating outreach to The predominantly West Indian cricket twenty years. For now they would like all the stakeholders in the basin. community with strong legal and political cricket to stay on its present footprint at connections which included California Woodly as a barrier against potential en- Our relationship sinews are flabby. We Lieutenant-Governor Mervin Dymally vironmental hazards that could pollute could start with getting to know Evelyn rose to the occasion and regained the two the natural Haskell River ecology if the Solano (PH 213-305-9223), the lead Sep- lost fileds by action in City Council. Once Tillman plant expands to the required pulveda Basin officer who has not been the fields were graded, the cricketers laid 200,000 square yards (five acres) des- educated about cricket. Since formal out the fields with Parks and Recreation ignated in the Army Corp of Engineers banquets stopped, our political finesse help planting numerous trees which pres- (USACE) master-plan. has suffered. Friends of Woodley on Fa- ently grace the grounds forty years later. cebook can mobilize support outside our The present coalition of interest with local area, should it become necessary but The attractive cricket fields have drawn Haskell Creek Preservationists should not it remains no substitute for regular politi- attention from film companies and advo- lull cricketers into complacency. We did cal TLC.

28 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 USACA Women’s Cricket Selection Mo Ally

in an off-field selection process. It is third Integrity of effort, money spent on train- world politics which sears the grass roots ing, is ignored as executives spend $4,000 efforts of coaches who work hard to in- of USACA money for tickets to Singa- spire these players who then witness the pore for no material purpose other than integrity of their chosen sport subverted the vanity of the executive concerned. by a cabal of old men who have no con- cern for the growth of cricket other than “Mis-direction” of funds away from their own power. coaching and supporting Women’s cricket, America’s best hope for a quick Mo Ally To see five qualified women and a level international ranking, is nothing less III coach, who placed a majority of wom- than a malfeasance of integrity. Righ- SACA Women’s Cricket selection en on the U.S. team, by brilliant coach- teous indignation is a poor response. Uhas become a political mind-field ing “repositioned” is an injustice that any Change is needed at USACA’s top. as various cabals attempt to undo the honest organization should not tolerate. original field selection. I have also been Umpires at the selection games were informed this occurs with USACA men’s amazed at the choices. teams. Selector opinions are overridden as favorites are given favors in exchange Merit on the field has now given way to for votes. the need for USACA votes. Players are now used as pawns in the power game Players get brushed aside as “reformula- of elections - a truly sad state of affairs. tions” of teams are made to “re-qualify” Excellence requires consistency of effort.

SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 WWW.AMERICANCRICKETER.COM 29 UWGC Labor Day Invitational World Vintage Cricket Golden Oldies Cricket Tournament March 18 - March 24, 2012 August 8 - August 15, 2010 September 2 - September 5, 2010 Wellington, New Zealand North Yorkshire, England Gastonia, North Carolina www.vintagecricket.com www.goldenoldiessports.com United States Contact Mo Ally at 305-851-3130

30 AMERICAN CRICKETER SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 2010 Distributed by: Union Beer Distributors, NY . La Picarillo, NJ . Republic National Distributors Company, FL

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