The Saskatchewan Cricket Association played host to a brand new tournament over the Labour Day long weekend.
Saskatchewan players had been travelling to British Columbia and Alberta over the past two years. This year, Saskatchewan is hosting its own Big Bash Tournament.
"By sending our teams to this kind of tournaments, we're really motivating our players,” said Sam Khan, president of the Saskatchewan Cricket Association. “So, we thought that it's a good plan to bring a Saskatchewan Big Bash."
The tournament brought eight teams, six Canadian teams and two international teams, to the Queen City. The teams are made up of the best players the cities have to offer, including an all-star roster from Regina.
Charnjit Singh lives in Regina and plays for Canada’s national team.
“They picked me up for Canada's high performance team against Bermuda,” he said. “We played this weekend against Bermuda and we won two matches."
Singh has played on the pitch for more than 17 years. Originally from India, he played in Australia before moving to Canada in 2013.
“My whole life is all about cricket,” he said.
Cricket is steadily gaining popularity in Saskatchewan. In 2010, there were fewer than 10 teams. This year, there are 46.
“By providing these kinds of tournament, we're definitely going to bring more players to our cricket association,” Khan said.
Singh said it takes mental and physical strength to play the game.
“If you’re fit and if you love to run around and if you love to work hard, I think you should try cricket,” he said.
The three-day tournament wraps up Monday. The top team will win $14,000.
