SASKATOON – As the number of immigrants continues to grow in Saskatoon, so too does a sport that many don’t know has been around the city for over a hundred years.
Saskatoon Cricket Association Vice President Mustafa Rashid moved to Saskatoon in 2009. He knows what it’s like to come to a place not knowing anybody and cricket made Saskatoon feel like home.
“When new immigrants come, it’s really hard for them to start playing cricket right away because the main thing here is jobs and stuff. They have to settle their families down and then have to settle themselves and then they start playing cricket,” said Rashid.
Over two billion people worldwide either play or watch cricket, making it the second most popular sport in the world. For immigrants moving to Saskatchewan, the sport is one of the things they are most familiar with.
Cricket is one of the oldest sports in the province and quickly becoming more popular.
In 2010, there was one cricket team in Saskatoon. Since then four other teams have joined. The province is taking notice of the sport with teams and interest popping up in Yorkton, Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Estevan.
“It’s already been playing in five zones and we’re trying to get this sport recognized through Sask Sport because that will be big achievement for us. Once we have that sport set with Sask Sport we can access their funding and maybe start more coaching programs for youth,” said Iftekhar Kalyar, Saskatoon Cricket Association president.
As the sport continues to grow, the Saskatoon Cricket Association is working with the city on getting a second pitch.
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