ICC invites players from USA, Canada, other countries for first-ever ICC Americas Cricket Combine

The event will be divided into Phase One and Phase Two.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has invited players from countries like United States of America (USA), Canada, Argentina, Bermuda, Suriname and the Cayman Islands to Indianapolis this week for the commencement of the first ever ICC Americas Cricket Combine. The teams will compete against each other at the World Sports Park and to demonstrate their skills while many international and regional coaches are in attendance. The event will take place between September 19 to 21 and September 25 to 27.  READ: ICC World Cricket League Division 6: Suriname crowned champions

The players will try to prove their worth and look to earn a spot in the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Nagico Super 50 tournament, which will begin in January 2016. “As interest in cricket in the USA and surrounding countries continues to grow, so does the level of cricket talent,” said Tom Evans, ICC Americas High Performance Consultant, according to icc-cricket.com.

“By embracing the Combine model, we’re able to evaluate players based on individual skills and team play in a format which allows us to assemble the best possible team to represent our international region,” he added. The competition will take place in two phases. Between September 19 to 21, those players, who have completed an online screening will be invited and they will compete for invitations to phase Two, which will be held between September 25 to 27.

At the end of Phase Two, former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh, former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju and well-known American fielding coach mike Young will pick their players, who will play in the Nagico Super 50 tournament. The best players might even get an opportunity to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in the next edition. Canada’s Trevor Manoosingh will take part in Phase One, and said,” I’m looking forward to taking part in this weekend’s activities with the ultimate hope of being selected for Phase Two. I think it’s a great initiative by the ICC and hope this is the start of many more Combines.” READ: ICC organises meeting with USA cricket community in Chicago

“I was pleasantly surprised to find out the Combine was in Indianapolis. I live so close, and had spent my college years there so it made it an easy decision to apply,” said Carter. “Transitioning from lacrosse to cricket has not been easy, but learning the sport is a challenge that I enjoy. To be invited to Indy, and compete with the best talent in the region is an incredible opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Ryan Carter a former Lacrosse player at the Butler University. READ: Venkatapathy Raju to coach ICC Americas Combine team

Many of the regional coaches too are excited about the tournament.  “Learning from coaches like Courtney Walsh, Mike Young and Venkatapathy Raju is an incredible opportunity for not only the players but the coaches as well,” said Anand Tummala current local coach based in Illinois. “Development is an important pillar of all the top cricketing nations and we’ll need great players and great coaches to grow the game in the Americas,” he added.