An interesting article in Canada’s Globe & Mail reports that the popularity of the game among immigrants is being stalled by the lack of pitches.
There are more players than the cricket grounds in Surrey can hold, forcing some Sunday matches to be held in school playgrounds … [it] has two cricket grounds and there is a growing demand for more. Hundreds of cricketers cannot play because of the shortage of grounds.
And the son of one immigrant reveals that his son has now taken up the game.
Ethnically South Asian, the junior Kumar was born and raised in Canada. He started playing cricket this year. He says the game is fun, but it also helps him connect to his Indian culture. "If I leave my own culture, the culture [will] die out," he said.
It is unfortunate that Canada—a country characterized by a low density of population, coupled with a booming economy, is suffering from a shortage of basic infrastructure for cricket. Canada has the distinction of three ICC World Cup appearances, including two on the trot in the latest editions, with a win over Bangladesh—a Test playing nation. What is even more creditable is that they managed this upset victory on their first appearance at the Cup after 24 years. The Canadian cricket administrators should take a cue from Bangladesh, which in spite of its struggling economy, has been coming up with more-than-decent infrastructure for cricket. Support from cricketing immigrants should be much help.
I agree, but stress the need to get cricket into non cricketing circles as well, when the numbers get higher, sponsors and local authourities tend to take more notice, and that can open doors.
Just a random fact: Cricket is actually still listed as the official sport of Canada! :)
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