Summer in Milton for the last four years has meant cricket on the pitch at Sherwood Park. The Events Ontario Softball Cricket League kicked off its fourth season with an event June 15, 2019 at the EC Drury High Schools sports complex.

Shahid Khan came all the way from Caledon. He attributes the league’s reach to the sport’s attachment to the players’ homelands. “I think it sparks interest in the Milton community, which, is technically a lot of people from back home,” Khan said. The opening ceremonies included the national anthems of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Canada. “My family, friends moved here recently, and they bring Cricket. It’s in their blood,” he added.

Ali Khan has played in the league for all four seasons. He is now the Captain of the Toronto Titans, the name chosen because of the players from the Greater Toronto Area. “It’s unique in a sense because the league goes on for three months,” Khan said. EOSCL has increased to 17 teams this season. Khan likes the league because it features a little something for everyone. “For the people above 30 we want a little bit of low cricket, not as fast,” he said. The games are 12 overs, and played every weekend. This year includes a junior division.

The teams have always included Town Councillors. That hasn’t changed, although the names have. Joining the league this year is Team Ali, from Ward 4 Municipal Councillor Sameera Ali. “It’s a beloved game in South Asia, Australia, England, and Australia. People love this game,” she said. Ali grew up playing cricket with family. “It’s just like hockey in Canada,” she said. Joining her is a team from Ward Two Municipal Councillor John Challinor.

Games are played every Saturday on the cricket pitch. For more information on the league visit their Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/EOSCLeague

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