We were looking forward to playing against India: Pubudu Dassanayake

Canada ended their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with a washout against India. Having won only one of their four games, the Canadian team is out of their maiden T20 World Cup campaign in the group stage. 

Speaking with the media after the game, the Canada head coach Pubudu Dassanayake mentioned the disappointment in missing out on facing a side like India. 

“As an associate country, we were looking forward to play against India,” Dassanayake said. 

“Sometimes we cannot do anything against nature. Last few days there were heavy rain and despite that the ground staff did a great job to bring the facility into this level but there's still enough water around that can injure a player. Especially India going into the next round and big games ahead of them, I don't think anybody wants to risk that,” he added. 

Talking about the decision from the umpires to call the game off despite no rain, Dassanayake shed light on the ground conditions. 

“There's a few water puddles still there, so basically, the game is called off due to the damp outfield. Nobody wants to get injured, especially the team is moving forward into the next stage. That's the only reason, and it was totally the official's call.

“The rest of the field was okay, just that one corner, but when it comes to the safety of the players, the whole ground needs to be perfect for us to play. I'm not sure about the drainage system but I just want to give credit to the ground staff, they have done a tremendous job in whatever way they can, but still it was not up there for us to play,” he told the media. 

Despite the results, the former Canada player said all the games went for the Associate nation as they were happy to play in the competition. 

“Coming into the World Cup is a real big thing for Canada, especially because I think performance-wise, as a coach, I always want to improve in every game but I'm happy how all the games went through. I also think the fans are also happy how the team fared this whole World Cup. I think these last two, three weeks will boost cricket in Canada,” he said in hope of good things for Canada cricket. 

The 53-year-old reflected on the progress made in Canada's cricket since they last played a World Cup in 2011. 

“If you look at history, in 1979 Canada played the first World Cup in 50 over format, then 2007, 2011 World Cups, and then we had a break until this World Cup. I think we can do that. 

“We have a lot of young players joining into this game, has really improved. We have some great players coming through. I always say that Canada can be one of the powerhouses in associate cricket and move forward from there. So, the game has really grown in Canada,” he said. 

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