'Big Bash': Regina hosts international cricket tournament

An international cricket tournament is set for this weekend in Regina.

Teams from across Canada as well as from India and Bangladesh will be competing in the Big Bash T20 Cricket Tournament. Ten teams will be in the tournament.

"It is very exciting, it's amazing," Manjeet Singhfrom the Saskatchewan Cricket Associationsaid. "This is the first time this is happening in Saskatchewan."

Singh noted that cricket in the province has grown from 16 teams in 2010 to 48 teams.

"That's really exciting, not just for us, but for everybody," he said.

• Regina's 'cricket cop' making fans on the field and Facebook

Singh said he grew up loving the sport.

"I grew up in India and this was a big sport over there," he said.

Sam Khan, president of the associationwho also grew up with the game, said the tournament will include high-calibre players.

"We're expecting a lot of high-performance players," he said, adding the tournament may inspire more people to join the game.

There will a strong international component to the tournament, including teams from Bangladesh and and India.

"We sent out invitations," Singh explained, adding that some of the team have been regulars at previous tournaments in other parts of Canada, and the hosts and players look forward to the matches.

"There is a lot of planning," Singh said, noting that organizing work began about six months ago.

The Regina Cricket Association and a number of dedicated volunteers were instrumental in making the arrangements.

Khan said the local organizers are looking forward to hosting the other teams.

"They will know what kind of hospitality we can provide," Khan said. "We like to be different and we like to entertain them when they come here."

Cricket popular around the world

Cricket, Singh noted, is a major sport around the world.

"There's a lot of cricket players from Australia, from South Africa, from England, from Jamaica," he said.

The tournament runs through the long weekend at Douglas Park and Grassick Park in Regina.

On the final day, Monday, organizers will have free food including samosas and butter chicken for people to enjoy at Douglas Park.

"This is the best moment for those who don't know about this game to come and see the game," Khan said. "There'll be a lot of other people there who'll give them the basic information about this game."

Khan said it would be great to have youngsters join the association and play cricket.