TORONTO ? the Mecca of cricket in the Americas

The City of Toronto is best known for having the tallest free standing structure in the world – the CN Tower, which stands 553 m (1,815 ft.) tall – but the city is quickly becoming the Mecca for cricket in the Americas. If anyone is wondering why, consider the following:

• There are over 200 cricket teams and fifty cricket grounds in or around the city.

• Ten grounds with turf wickets (six currently active) and an ODI approved facility, with one more well on its way.

• Warm temperatures (high 20s to low 30s C) and very little rainfall are reasons enough to attract cricket events to the city.

• Toronto is the capital city of the Province of Ontario which boasts a stronger economy than any of the G8 nations and that includes the USA.

• With exceptional value for hotel accommodation, meals and easy air access, Toronto has become the choice for major international events of the region.

Starting July 29 for one month, three major events will be held in and around Toronto

1. The Intercontinental Cup (a four day first class event) will kick off the month long international scene.

• Canada will take on Kenya from July 29 to August 1 at Maple Leaf Cricket Club in King City.

• Bermuda comes in to play Canada at the same venue August 12 to 15.

2. Six ODI matches involving Kenya, Bermuda and Canada will be played at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club in August.

3. Starting August 21, five countries (Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands and the USA) will compete for the Americas Championship. The real award however, will be the spot available in Division 3 of the World Cricket League. With Canada and Bermuda already in Division 1 and the USA in Division 3, it really is a fight between Argentina and Cayman Islands for the one place available.