Too much politics in Canada’s cricket – Chattergoon

By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto

Hemnarine Chattergoon

His age at 34 is not a deterring factor for Hemnarine Chattergoon, but he still desires to represent Canada again at the senior level. However, he lashed out severely at the game which is enveloped with political issues. Having featured in two first-class matches in 2007 and 2010/11 for the North American country since 1996, the elegant right handed batter felt there is a lot left in him.

Chattergoon, the elder brother of former West Indies opener Sewnarine Chattergoon, is also one of the siblings who featured for Guyana at various levels.

The two other brothers are Ramnarine and Harrinarine.

The former national under-19 batsman Hemnarine who also played for the West Indies under-19 team, was critical of Canada’s cricket since the youths are suffering because of the poor structure and political interference over the years.

He exclaimed there in an abundance of talented players but because of the political atmosphere, the game is deteriorating.

Notwithstanding that, he wants to be back in the Canada’s team, but he knows that handwork and commitment are two imperative ingredients to get there.

“I love cricket and playing at the international level is a wonderful achievement and getting back there would also be fabulous, but I am annoyed with the way the cricket is being run because of the politics; I just hope though the best can come out soon rather than later,” Chattergoon expressed.

Chattergoon made his first appearance for Canada in 2007 against United Arab Emirates in the ICC Intercontinental Cup in Canada where he scored just ten runs, while his last outing was against Zimbabwe also in Canada in 2010 with scores of zero and 19.

The former Albion player also represented Canada in the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board regional T20 tournament, 2010, but since then he has been out. He is still producing in the Elite League for Vikings Cricket Club in Toronto with consistent performances.

“I enjoyed playing for my country Guyana at the youth level and also for Canada; I have been playing very competitive cricket here and as I stated that I want to regain my spot in the Canada team for upcoming matches whether internationally or first-class cricket,” Chattergoon related.

Chattergoon, who made his under-19 debut for Guyana in 1996, still has the distinction of being the only Guyanese to register two consecutive centuries in their first two matches. He went on to play against Pakistan for the junior Caribbean side and also cracked a blistering hundred.

“Those days are now memories and I think I should have really went on to represent Guyana at the highest level but I migrated to Canada and fortunately I had the chance to play for them at the international level,” the Mississauga resident mentioned.

Quizzed on Guyana’s cricket at moment, Chattergoon paused and then declared the politics has been the major problem over the years, but he is optimistic that all the negative issues can be resolved and the game can be the winner.

“Obviously, there are some problems with Guyana’s cricket and again there are many talented players out there but the administration is responsible for the poor image at the moment, but hopefully they can solve it quickly for the benefits of the young, aspiring cricketers,” Chattergoon declared.

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