…Ontario women’s team creates history at National tournament

FORMER Guyana wicket-keeper/batsman Azib Ali Hanif has been making a name for himself on the Canadian circuit as an outstanding coach.
The 45-year-old Hanif, who was a tower of strength during the “glory days” of Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) is the current coach of the Ontario women’s cricket team which created history recently.
Playing in the five-team Canada Cup 2024 five-day tournament, the Ontario women played unbeaten to easily cart off the coveted title. The tournament was played at Batsman Park, Brampton, Ontario from August 26-30.
Haniff, who is also a qualified International Cricket Council (ICC) coach, has been working for Cricket Ontario for the past three years. He pointed out that “I worked hard with my team, especially in the mental aspect of the game, since it was a five-day tournament which consisted of eight games. My experience off the field as a former national player enabled me to guide my team mentally and physically and be prepared for each game.”

Hanif was also the coach for the provincial women’s team which emerged victorious in the Cricket Ontario women’s tournament. He’s also a selector for the Ontario men’s and youth teams.
The tournament saw Ontario Fire claiming the top spot while the second and third positions were decided on net run rate as each team ended up with the same win and loss records of four wins and four defeats. Alberta took the second place, Ontario Heat third and British Columbia fourth.
According to the Cricket Ontario authorities, the placings clearly reflect the competitive nature of the encounters as each team gave it their full commitment to win.
“We saw some extremely excellent individual performances in the batting, bowling, fielding and wicket- keeping disciplines.

“This year’s competition also revealed some excellent captaincy and leadership candidates as well as players who can be considered for the national team.
“We would like to make special reference to Team Easten Provinces for their determination and unwavering spirit in giving their best in competition and staying true to continuing to achieve their goals of promoting and growing the sport of cricket to all women and girls within their respective provinces.
“We will like to encourage all of the players to continue to work on enhancing their individual and all-round skills and to become better players for the future,” the officials pointed out.
Special thanks were accorded Cricket Canada and Cricket Ontario and the City of Brampton for hosting this year’s Women’s National. (Frederick Halley)