By Frederick Halley

THE Brampton-Etobicoke & District Cricket League (BEDCL) is constantly monitoring the situation as it relates to COVID-19 pandemic and will be ready to react when it hopefully receives the “return to outdoor sports” order for the 2021 cricket season.

The BEDCL was unable to complete its playoffs in 2020 after a shortened season cut short by an upsurge of the pandemic.
According to president Praim Persaud, the BEDCL had plans to launch three new formats last year but these were thwarted. It included: During the week Youth Cricket, Seniors (Over-50) and Women. He is however hopeful that these formats will be played this year, pointing out that the initiation process is ongoing.

In a Facebook post, the Guyanese-born Persaud highlighted that two meetings were held with Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown and designated representatives to address, among other things, facilities and the continued growth and promotion of cricket in Brampton, as well as field allocations, maintenance and previous development plans,
Also discussed were the allocation of natural turf pitches, lighted facilities, the development of additional facilities, the development of additional practice nets and the overall infrastructure of cricket which continues to grow as the demand increases in the City.

Meetings were also held with the new Commissioner of Parks and Maintenance & Recreation as well as the manager and supervisor. In addressing some of the same points, as well as the maintenance and preparation of the facilities for the 2021 season, it was disclosed that the city has been diligently getting all fields in top playing conditions while work on a few have been delayed but specific completion dates are being targetted.

In addition, the CAA Centre, soon to be renamed Brampton Sports Park, will have the fourth natural turf facility available this season, Plans are underway to convert the free space left on pitch three into practice nets to complement those already in existence at Dixie & 407.

All plans for Gore Meadows, which were previously in place but were impacted by COVID-19, are still intact and revised completion dates are being addressed and refocussed in accommodating the adjustments that were inevitable due to COVID.

These plans include the three natural turf pitches, lighted facilities and a small-scale stadium.

Persaud said these meetings will continue to ensure that all plans are being addressed and that “we will focus on what is required to continue to plan for improved and required standard facilities to improve both quality of play and the development of our players’ skills.”