Team Manitoba brings home senior cricket inter-provincial title

South Winnipeg

The Manitoba Bisons hope their win at the Ontario Masters Cricket League Inter-Provincial Tournament attracts more people to play one of the world’s most popular sports. In late June, the Bisons prevailed over teams from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

Not bad for a team that only formed in January. Organizers Manoj Chaudhari and Ralston Dezilva said all members of the over-40 squad played on other teams, but the inaugural Bisons practice was the first time some had formally met.

“Our goal was to create a team for Manitoba, an opportunity for those senior players to go all over Canada,” Dezilva said. “Manitoba had not been recognized at the over-40 level until this year.”

Both men grew up around the game. Chaudhari was raised in India, where cricket is popular. He’s played for 25 years, and his children also enjoy it. Dezilva’s native Sri Lanka is passionate about cricket. As a child, he played many forms, with whatever was available.

Preparations for the inter-provincial tourney began slowly, with weekly indoor practices before the team moved outdoors in May and June. While all players were experienced, with many serving in the same roles on their various teams, the Bisons had to find the right combination for national play.

“The idea was to come together and then to find that right combination,” Chaudhari said. “We had loads of experience and a bit of maturity. We collectively decided that this would be the team of 13 or 14 players going to Toronto.”

The Bisons arrived in the midst of a heat wave, with temperatures in the plus-forties. They played five games in five days and were on the pitch for hours at a time.

“Most of us come from countries that know hot weather like Pakistan,” Chaudhari said. “But it was definitely an experience, because 40 degrees plus the humidity is pretty hot, but even though we’re seniors, the kids in us were excited and happy to be playing and representing Manitoba.

“At the end of the day, when we were at the hotel, obviously, we were in pain.”

The Bisons faced stiff competition, where some opponents had international experience. Undeterred, the Bisons pressed ahead, including in the close final. Once the championship was secured, it was time to celebrate.

“It was pure happiness,” Chaudhari said.

“It was not just a couple of individual performances,” Dezilva said. “Everyone was encouraging each other. If there were mistakes on the field, there was no looking down on a player. We played as one team. We bought the cup on the plane.”

The Bisons want to use their success to grow cricket in Manitoba. Now that a provincial team has been established, Chaudhari and Dezilva want to use it as a foundation for more players, teams and events.

Momentum is on their side.

“Cricket is number one in Asia (and) number two in the world, right after soccer,” Dezilva said. “Cricket is growing big in the U.S., and once any sport is big in the U.S., it helps Canada, directly or indirectly.”

“When I started, we only had 12 teams,” Chaudhari added. “In Manitoba cricket, we have 69 teams. Our goal… is to keep playing and keep enjoying.”

They’re looking for event sponsors and organizers. Contact Dezilva at 204-998-1797 to learn more.