Cricket Club Connects with Caribbean Officers

The Toronto Police Cricket Club (TPCC) may soon have an opportunity to test its skills against police teams from across the Caribbean.

Senior Superintendent Subhash Ramkhelawan head of the visiting Trinidad and Tobago Police Service delegation, said Toronto could receive an invitation to compete in next year’s Caribbean Commissioner’s Cup, which is expected to be held in Guyana.

“We are scouting for a couple of outside teams to join us,” he said. “Once it is feasible, you will get the first invitation to that tournament as a team from outside the Caribbean. Let’s work hard and bring it to fruition.”

The possible invitation emerged during the Trinidad and Tobago team’s visit to Toronto for a series of matches that concluded with a game against the host club on September 6 at the Percy Cummins ground in Scarborough.

TPCC president Godwin Alfred said the tour demonstrated the sport’s ability to connect officers across borders.

“Although we represent different police services and come from different countries, we share many of the same values such as teamwork, discipline, respect, commitment and service to our communities,” he said. “This is more than just a cricket game. It is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between our two police services and build friendships that extend well beyond the cricket field.”

Inspector Peter Wallace said sporting exchanges can sometimes build partnerships more effectively than formal meetings.

“Sports have a way of bringing people together faster than any official conference,” he noted. “We get to network on the field and, after the game, share information. You can’t beat that.”

Wallace also injected some humour into the proceedings, suggesting Toronto’s best chance against the talented visitors might be colder weather.

“Today is really about seeing if the Toronto Police Cricket Club can survive 20 overs against a team where cricket runs through their veins,” he said.

Staff Sergeant Allistair James, who began his policing career with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service in 1989 before joining Toronto Police, admitted his loyalties were divided.

“I have a little bit of a dilemma because I don’t know who to cheer for,” he said. “I started my career with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and now I am a Toronto police officer.”

Stefany Hanson, the Toronto Police Services Board’s senior adviser for community engagement and policy, said the club represents a meaningful community initiative.

“I love seeing communities come together under a variety of circumstances,” she said. “We have been able to support the Toronto Police Cricket Club throughout the years, and we will continue to show our support.”

The visiting Trinidad Police team defeated the TPCC in both 20-over and 30-over matches and also beat a Corrections XI in a 30-over contest.

It marked the first time the TPCC hosted an overseas police cricket team other than the New York Police Department.