Six of Scotland’s leading cricketers, including Aberdonians, Kyle Coetzer and Matt Cross, have been picked to play T20 in Canada next month.
Coetzer and Cross will be joined by George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod and Safyaan Sharif when they head across the Atlantic to compete in the second edition of the T20 competition, which runs from July 25 to August 11, just three days before the Scots tackle Oman and Papua New Guinea in a ODI tri-series at Mannofield.
The north-east duo have been picked up by Montreal Tigers, with Berrington and Sharif chosen to represent Edmonton Royals. MacLeod will turn out for Toronto Nationals whilst Munsey joins forces with the newest franchise – Brampton Wolves.
It’s another reminder of the advances being made by the Scots, following recent success on the international stage. But the news also serves as an illustration of the dearth of high-profile opportunities in their own country for the best players.
Simon Smith, Cricket Scotland’s high performance manager, said yesterday: “A strong Scottish presence in an overseas T20 franchise tournament is further evidence of the progress we are making.
“This is an opportunity which is bound to benefit these players, so we wish them all well, and look forward to welcoming them back for our next international assignment – round one of Cricket World Cup League 2 in August.
“It is unfortunate that these players will miss the Tilney T20 Blitz, but their absence will present the opportunity for other players to perform in that competition, which is sure to advance the strength in depth of our three regional programmes.”
