Tony Munro

Cuba, the Falkland Islands and the hosts, Mexico, are among the four countries set to make their official debuts at the World Cricket League Americas Division Four next year.

The other participant will be fellow debutante, Costa Rica in the event tentatively scheduled between May and September.

Cuba were to make an international debut of sorts in the 2008 Stanford 20/20 tournament before an embargo by the US Government blocked their involvement.

For the Falkland Islands, it will be one of two tournaments they will play next year. The other is a triangular involving three locations named after Viscount Falkland, the commander of part of the Royalist forces at the Battle of Newbury in 1643 in the English Civil War between King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. The triangular, to be played at Falkland in Fife from July 19-24 will feature Falkland (Fife), Falkland (Newbury, Berkshire) and the Falkland Islands. The tournament is part of Falkland Fife CC's 150th anniversary celebrations. Incidentally, the islands were named for Viscount Falkland as his son was the Secretary of State for the Admiralty when Captain John Davies sighted the Falkland Islands in 1682.

Meanwhile, in the coming 2009-10 season separate Twenty20 tournaments are to be played at the Islands' capital, Stanley, and military base at Mount Pleasant, with the winners of both meeting in a final. The traditional highlight of the season, the South Atlantic Ashes, between the Governor's XI (representing the civilans) and the Commander of the British Forces XI (representing the military) will be played as a three-match series in January, February and March.

Andrew Murgatroyd

Last weekend four Central American nations met on the fields of Academia Britannica Cuscatleca (aka British School ) in El Salvador to compete for the second Easter Cup.

Named after the time of year when the first edition was played, it involved hosts El Salvador, defending champions Costa Rica, Easter Cup newcomers Mexico and favourites Belize, the Twenty20 event was a first time the small Central American nation had hosted an international.

The sun shone brightly, and with a wind keeping the fielders cool and the bails wobbling, the tournament was set.

Continue reading "Belize take Easter Cup in El Salvador"

Next week's ICC annual get-together promises to have more than its fair share of politicking, posturing and controversy. But, unless there is a major about-turn, it should also be a watershed for the Associates and Affiliates.

In 2009, income from the ICC's six-year media deal with ESPN-Star, worth over US$1 billion, kicks in, and while the game's big boys will still keep the lion's share, the rest will see substantial increases in their incomes.

Continue reading "Future bright beyond the Test world"

Nicaragua acted as hosts for the first tri-nation tournament with visitors El Salvador and Costa Rica, who emerged winners. It was El Salvador’s second international tournament after their encouraging participation in the C.A. Championship last November and the first time in a long while (possibly ever) that Nicaragua, who came third, participated in an international cricket event. All teams hope this will be the first of many Easter Cups.

Continue reading "Costa Rica win inaugural Easter Cup"

Costa Rica league saw a key match between CCCCR and Corsair. Corsairs needed to win in order to be tied with CCCCR at the top of the table. CCCCR batted first and were about 20 for 6 when Richard Illingworth and Shane Catford came together and put on 100. If it had not been for the local rule that you must retire on reaching 50, Richard might well have gone on to score his age. In spite of another 50 from Ben Smith, this stand proved decisive and CCCCR won by 30 runs. It was a distinguished effort by Richard Illingworth but Shane Catford was Man of the Match with his 50 and bowling of 4 for 3.

Continue reading "Illingworth stars in Costa Rica league"

The number of people actively participating in cricket outside the Test-playing countries increased 17% in 2007, according to the ICC.

The research, carried out by the ICC's development program, was collated from 33 Associate and 58 Affiliate members. It showed that there were 338,051 male and female players in those countries in 2007, an increase of 49,158 on the previous year. Since 2002, when there were 144,047 participants, there has been a 135% rise.

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CCCR travelled to Limon on January 13 where they were greeted by two charming representatives of the Mayor who had been invited by Limon CC. CCCR batted first on a beautiful day and made 144 for 5 in their 25 overs. Limon never recovered from a bad start, losing two wickets in the first over. After some spirited resistance they were all out in less than the allotted 25 overs. Limon CC arranged a good late lunch which was much appreciated. CCCR now lead the league.

In terms of development Richard Illingworth and Sam Arthur spent two days in the Limon area after the CCCR and Limon CC game. They covered a lot of ground, met many people and identified a number of opportunities.

Sam Arthur has started regular coaching sessions with Limon CC and has given a video presentation to the youngsters at Robleato.

From ICC Americas' regional newsletter