I understand the point you are trying to make, yes the TDCA has a higher standard and it is the first place people go when looking to put together the national team.
If the ACA has close to 800 cricketers, the TDCA probably has 5 times as many, or more. Understandably the infrastructure, competition, and talent pool is greater in TDCA. But for sure that doesnt mean these cricketers should be neglected for where they are living. It is unreasonable to ask someone to move to TO and play cricket when it is an amatuer sport in Canada. Some can do it, some can't. That is why the national tournament is essential. The TDCA is not a national league. Ontario may not have a difficult time beating most of the other provinces but atleast everyone is competing at the same level and if someone then is capable of performing at that level against these Ontario premier players, then he can fairly say he deserves a consideration for selection. Wouldnt that negate the need for a player to relocate in order to make the national side?
I have played in the 1st div. TDCA and find it comparable to the Calgary premier division, maybe slightly higher. My guess would be if we assembled the best players from Calgary into one team, it could compete in the TDCA premier.
Keep in mind that there have been many drastic changes in Alberta over the last 3-4 years, and here are a few to note:
1. ICC wide rule implemented
2. Change from 45 overs to 50 overs
3. Change from 6 teams in one division, to 22 teams in three divisions (6 Premier, 6 in 1st and 8 in 2nd)
4. Use of 4-piece balls instead of 2-piece
5. Strong development of grassroots program, resulting in better junior crops (Alberta surprised everyone at the 2002 Canada Cup, and beat BC North, BC South and Manitoba at the 2003 WC u17 camp)
6. Year-round cricket - Calgarians play indoor hardball cricket at "The Infield" while Edmontonians enjoy the exclusive cricket-only indoor facility at the UofA called the Saville Sports Centre
7. Alberta Super League to be implemented in 2004 (best 4 clubs (top 2 from each city) in the province travel and play round-robin matches)
8. Circle rule is being considered for introduction into premier play
9. Astroturf being installed in several grounds
10. Atleast 2-3 new grounds will be ready for use by 2005 (negotiations ongoing with city)
So these are 10 positive developments that have occured since you probably last heard of and played with/against an Alberta club. The benefits will not be immediate, but we are on the right track and the standard is bound to rise. It may not meet TDCA standards just due to the sheer volume and greater talent pool and immigration of cricketers in TO area, but it also may not be as bad as you think.
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