The Ontario Cricket Academy (OCA) etched their name in Canadian cricket history by becoming the first club or academy from the country to tour India. The landmark trip took place from March 9th to 11th, 2024, in Mumbai, where the OCA players had the unique opportunity to test their skills against the academies of renowned Indian cricketers, Sulakshan Kulkarni and Abhishek Nayar.
The tour wasn’t just about competitive matches. The OCA youngsters got a taste of cricket in the heartland of the sport, experiencing the legendary maidans of Mumbai – the Oval Maidan and the Azad Maidan. These grounds have hosted countless matches and witnessed the rise of Indian cricketing icons. Playing on these historic fields undoubtedly provided the OCA players with an unforgettable cricketing experience.
Head Coach Derek Perera, a former Canadian cricketer who established the OCA in 2003, spoke about the significance of the tour. He highlighted the opportunity for his young players to compete against top-level competition and immerse themselves in the rich cricketing culture of India. Perera expects this experience to not only enhance their individual skills but also contribute to the overall growth of cricket in Canada.
The success of this inaugural tour paves the way for future exchanges. OCA has already set its sights on returning to India next year, indicating a potential start to a regular exchange program that would benefit both Canadian and Indian cricket.
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