By Ravendra Madholall
The Toronto Police Cricket Club and the Sugarcane Thunderbolts Cricket Club have started preparations for the inaugural tour of Guyana early next year. The two teams are set to participate in several limited-over matches across the country during their two-week visit.
In a recent match, the Toronto Police secured an empathic five-wicket win over Sugarcane Thunderbolts at the Police ground in Scarborough.
Current president of the Toronto Police club Mansoor Ahmad, said they are excited to make the trip a reality but, are awaiting an approval from Guyana’s Police Commissioner Leroy Brummel.
He noted that the planned visit, which would see cricket matches against the Guyana Police Force, would also include tours to several tourism destinations, and as such, it would be beneficial for both countries.
“We [are] very excited about making the trip to Guyana; I am confident the guys will make an impression because we have begun preparations and are keenly looking forward to it,” Ahamd stated.
President of the Sugarcane Thunderbolt team, Raj Singh, also emphasised the significance of the tour to his native country.
“We firmly believe that interaction with our fellow officers from different parts of world in the form of sports leads to lasting friendship, camaraderie, exchange of ideas and meaningful dialogue that will be of benefit for our official duties,” Singh indicated.
Singh, who is a founding member too of the Toronto Police club, pointed out that the Toronto Police team has featured in several international tours including visits to Australia, England and Barbados over the years and has gained tremendous exposure.
Meanwhile, at the practice match, 48-year-old opening batsman Nadeem Khokhar, stroke an attractive 80 to lead the Toronto Cops to the victory. Thunderbolts took first strike at the invitation of Toronto Police and only managed an insufficient 165-7 from the allotment of 35-overs.
The left-handed and man-of-the-match, Khokhar, hit seven fours and four sixes during his innings as his team surpassed the total in the 30th over. He was supported by skipper Asad Khan with a steady innings of 20.
Earlier, Richard Moore, a Retired Officer and former Toronto Police Club captain, top scored for the visitors with 38 with two fours and similar number of sixes while veteran Officer Dwarka Rampersaud and Deo Ramlochan chipped in with 25 and 22 respectively.
Barbadian and retired Toronto Police Officer Arthur Jones grabbed three wickets for 17 runs from five off-spin overs while another off-spinner Zappy Greaves claimed two for 27 off seven overs.
At the simple presentation ceremony following the match, several players were given trophies for their outstanding performances, courtesy of the two teams.
