Success at the ICC World Cup Qualifier

The Alberta cricket community got together last evening, Friday, May 08, at the Grenada Community Centre in northeast Calgary to informally celebrate an outstanding achievement by one of its own, Khurram Chohan (KC), playing for Canada in the recent World Cup qualifiers in

South Africa). KC claimed the most wickets by a Canadian bowler, 15, and is now regarded as an inspiration to many youngsters in the province, especially here in Calgary.

It was great to see a few old-timers in attendance—Horace Goopesingh, Terry Raines, Thatchi Moorthy and Spencer Gooden, as well as Cricket Alberta Secretary Zafar Khan, the lone representative from Edmonton.

A video montage, was played, depicting all the wickets KC took in the competition, as well as batting and bowling highlights by the other Canadian players.

Alberta representatives at Cricket Canada (formerly the CCA) have been instrumental, recently, in creating opportunity for local players. With their continued and altruistic service, other local talents will eventually get their chances at the national and international levels.

There was plenty of food and beverages available, provided by new restaurateur, Amjad Shehzad.

The president of Cricket Alberta, Chris James, opened the evening’s celebration by asking the Second Vice-President of Cricket Canada, Ravin Moorthy, to say a few words. Ravin chronicled the cumulative efforts put in by so many in Alberta, over the years, to make this evening possible. Ravin proudly announced that “Rathan Moorthy was described by a South African analyst as the best analyst from the “Associates”.

He also cited the great difficulty and uphill struggle Alberta cricketers continue to face in getting recognition at the national level, stressing that there is plenty of hard work yet to be done. Gord Oakes, Sam Narula, league president, and Spencer were amongst those who spoke. One of the evening’s speakers lamented what he labels as “political picks” and that it’s about time that players are picked solely on merit.

KC received a framed photo and plaque and Rathan received a plaque for their respective work/achievements.

Ron Saywack
www.cricketalberta.com