Mississauga treated to all-star cricket fall festival celebrating Canadian cultural diversity

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and World teams square off, Sep 25–26.

Four Canadian cricket teams flying the flags of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, along with a World Team, go head-tohead this weekend at Mississauga’s Iceland Cricket Ground.

The Supra ITS Cricket Festival is a two-day, four-team event starring 30 current and past Canadian national players – including Canadian captain Ashish Bagai and members of the 2011 Cricket World Cup squad – along with internationals from the West Indies and many of Ontario’s brightest cricketing talents.

The tournament is open to the public and is the first of its kind from Beyond the Boundary, a not-for-profit organization aiming to bring young and new Canadians together to celebrate a common passion, while developing valuable social, personal and community skills.

Teams include both Canadian- and foreign-born nationals, who agreed to turn out in the colours of their – or their family’s – old countries, with the World XI team counting players from 9 nations such as England, Trinidad, Uganda and Australia.

Strong community support is expected from the Mississauga-Brampton population, where more than 600,000 residents are of South Asian and West Indian descent – regions where cricket is immensely popular.
In addition to securing title sponsorship from Mississauga-based Information Technology company, Supra ITS, the event has attracted further support from Printer Logix, Generex Biotechnology, BaBoom Energy Spray, and the Mississauga Ramblers Cricket Club.

Peel Region Police, who have experienced success incorporating cricket into their own community work, will also be present throughout both days, lead by Constable Nick Harris.

MATCH SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY SEP. 25: 10.30: INDIA XI vs. PAKISTAN XI; 14.30: SRI LANKA XI vs. WORLD XI
SUNDAY SEP. 26: 10.30: 3RD PLACE PLAYOFF; 14.30: FINAL 2