Canadian Minister of State for Sport Bal Gosal. (Pictures by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
Canadian Minister of State for Sport Bal Gosal expressed disappointment over unpaid match fees for some of the world’s top cricketers following an All Star T20 match at the Rogers Centre last month.
On May 6, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported cricketers were left stranded at their hotel with the rooms and match fees unpaid. Some of the cricketers had spent their own money to fly to Canada returned home empty handed.
Sanath Jayasuriya was promised $15,000 according to a CBC report.
Former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher tweeted, “Absolute shambles at @T20AllStar2012 in Canada.no players been paid.no organisers here to explain!disgrace for Canadian cricket!so sad!”
Minister Gosal said he was in touch with Cricket Canada, who is also owed money from organizer Kat Rose Inc.
“I was disappointed to learn of this situation. Cricket Canada has informed me that they are working with the event promoters to explore opportunities to assist in resolving the issue. Cricket is a sport that is quickly growing in popularity in our country and we hope to bring future events, like this one, back to Canada,” Mr. Gosal said in a statement today.
