The game of cricket was on display at Amelia Park on Canada day. Although cricket has over 2 billion fans worldwide, the craze for the sport hasn't reached it's peak in northern Ontario just yet, but its getting there.
Howbasir Ramsoondar is a former cricket player him and he's seen how much the sport has grown here in the north.
“We started off with about 15 players,” said Ramasoondar who now manages the North Bay Multicultural Cricket Club.
“And we now we have over 30 players. The team is not made up of only Asians, but some Canadians as well. It's just one of those games where anyone who wants to learn the game, they can just come in, ask and they'll fall right into the game.”
Ramasoondar's team also travels to other cities to compete as well. Recently they traveled to Montreal and also to Sudbury to compete in a tournament. He noted that cricket is a simple game to learn and it's one of the least expensive sports to play as well.
He says the game of cricket promotes new opportunities for people who are new to the city of North Bay as well.
“It gives newcomers or immigrants a chance to participate in a sport,” said Ramasoondar.
“Also, it gives them a chance to build healthy life styles and to promote the city in a way.”
While the game was going on, the locals had a chance to observe the game and also learn about the sport. Anthony Rota, and his wife were amongst the spectators who watched with curiosity and they've always been interested to find out more about cricket.
“Cricket is one of those games you see on TV and you hear about it too,” said Rota.
“But you don't always get a chance to see it played live. So, I thought we would come down and watch some of it being played live. Cricket is an international game, it gets played everywhere in the world and it's nice to see it being played here in North Bay.”
Rota said he would love to get a chance to try out the sport too, because it seemed like a fun game and he noticed how much fun the players were having out on the diamond.
For anyone who would like to give cricket a try, the North Bay Multicultural Cricket Club plays at Amelia Park every Monday night. They go from 6 to 8pm and the team says anyone can just show up and participate.
