Friendly tournament aims at growing cricket in Alberta

“When I first came to Medicine Hat here, there was nothing like this that I could go outside and play matches,” said Gajjar. “But now, Team Lethbridge and Team Calgary actually wants to come and play as well. A few teams from Edmonton actually want to join in as well, so hopefully we get this momentum going and it’s going to be great to see communities coming together.”

Cricket sees two teams battle in a circular field trying to score runs, including a bowler and batsmen. Teams switch sides between batting and fielding after ten batsmen have been dismissed, or a number of overs have been completed.

The sport is especially popular in countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

A big reason for the rise in cricket locally, has been international students from Medicine Hat College introducing the game to those from the local area.

Gajjar said those born and raised in Medicine Hat are beginning to show an interest in cricket as well.

“Communities here, they’re always here and supportive,” he said. “Even the local people, they are really interested in getting to know about the cricket sport here. It’s growing like crazy.”

Medicine Hat won the opening game of the tournament, but members of the Lethbridge team were awarded trophies as a thank you for making the trip down to Medicine Hat on Saturday.

He adds the City has done a lot for the club in establishing a sustainable environment for cricket to thrive.

“I appreciate the City of Medicine Hat,” he said. “It’s such a nice ground here that they gave us, and it’s great to play cricket here every weekend.”

According to Gajjar, three tournaments are being planned this summer, which is a huge step up from just the one held last year.

by Scott Roblin

Friendly tournament aims at growing cricket in Alberta

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