India's IPL may have been the catalyst, but cricket is now the fastest growing sport in the world. The T20 format has revolutionized the way people see the game. Now is the time for Canada to take its place in the cricket entertainment calendar.
Kat Rose Inc. is pleased to announce that they have been sanctioned by Cricket Canada to host an International T20 Cricket Match in Toronto. The match, scheduled for May 12, 2012 at the Roger’s Centre, will feature Canadian and top-tier international cricketers. In addition to world class cricket, this event will include a cultural and entertainment show, featuring world renowned Punjabi artist Imran Khan.
Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.ca and the prices are as follows: $25, $39, $69, $99, and $199. It has been over 4 years since the last time international cricket was played in Canada, and tickets are expected to sell out fast.
Kat Rose Inc's current focus is to bring the sport of cricket to Canada at an international level. With the increase in the population of immigrants over the last few decades, there is a need for such a sport to make a strong presence in our country. In addition, Kat Rose Inc. is also pleased to donate some of the proceeds from the event to Cricket Canada's Capital Infrastructure with the primary goal that this event will have a long lasting impact on Canadian cricket.
Cricket fans in Canada have been waiting for an opportunity to attend a cricket match that features international players. In 2008, Canada hosted Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in a four day T20 tournament that attracted thousands of fans to Maple Leaf Cricket Club in King City, Ontario. The tournament featured players from Canada, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Zimbabwe many of whom will feature in this year’s event.
The captain of the Asia team, Shahid 'Boom Boom' Afridi, is known for his aggressive batting style and has been a sensation for cricket fans. Shahid Afridi came into international view in 1996 with a big 'boom' as he scored the fastest ODI century in his very first international innings against Sri Lanka. Afridi has built himself among the most effective leg spinner in one day cricket. He has surpassed more than 6,500 runs and captured 300 plus wickets in one-day internationals. The influential all-rounder has hit most sixes in the history of ODI cricket, but rumor has it – he considers himself a better bowler than batsman.
Other all-stars named for Asia XI are Sanath Jayasuriya, a former Sri Lankan all-rounder whose record for the fastest century has only been overtaken by Afridi; Sunil Joshi (India), a left-arm spinner; Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan), who is arguably the best spinner in the sport today; Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh), an opening batsman; Mohammad Sami (Pakistan), a fast bowler and more recently announced are Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) and Umar Aqmal (Pakistan).
Facing off against Afridi, as the captain of International XI, is well known West Indian batsman Brian Lara. From breaking Gary Sober's long standing record in 1994 by scoring an amazing triple century (375 runs) - to being the first batsman to reclaim the highest individual test score record of 400 against England in 2004, Lara's achievements show that he is worthy of the term all-star.
Two Canadian superstars will be part of the International XI squad; Ashish Bagai, former team captain; and Rizwan Cheema, a world-class cricketer who is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League. Other names announced for the International XI squad are Mark Boucher (South Africa), considered to be one of the most successful wicket-keepers of all time; Tino Best (West Indies), known as one of the fastest bowler during his prime; Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe), a top-tier all-rounder. Also joining them will be Jacob Oram and Tim Southee from New Zealand.
There will also be a formal gala following the match, giving you the opportunity to dine with your favorite player! The gala will be taking place at the Westin Harbour Castle ballroom and tickets are priced $150 or $200 for VIP (sit with an All-Star!). For tickets visit www.katroseinc.com or call 905-366-7312.
Keep up to date with player announcements and get more information by checking out T20 All Stars on Twitter and Facebook or www.t20allstars.ca!
Should the rules of cricket be made a little simpler?
Posted by: ipoint table | 05/12/2012 at 07:11 AM