Canada News
By Ravendra Madholall
Thirty-seven-year-old former Canadian cricketer Aftab Shamsundeen has announced his retirement from all form of the game with immediate effect.
Aftab Shamsundeen (right) has represented Canada in an One Day International game.
Popularly known for his softball phenomenon, Shamsundeen represented Canada in a solitary one-day international and several first-class matches.
Shamsundeen stated his main reason for quitting the game is due to family commitment and his part-time study at York University but he is very anxious to return something to the game.
His profound love for cricket began way back in the early 90s in his native homeland, Guyana relishing every moment plying the trade at club level in Berbice.
Shamsundeen’s representation for Canada at the highest level too was a dream come true while he created a great impression in the softball fraternity, playing for Dant Cricket Club which was formed almost two decades ago.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my cricket over the years both hard and softball, but I have got family commitment and I always want to be with my wife and two children,” Shamsundeen related.
He is very thankful to his father Muneer who was very instrumental with his upbringing of the game and more importantly encouraged him on a regular basis to take it up seriously.
He went on to play for Rose Hall Estate also in the Ancient County of Berbice and was looking promise to wear the inter-county colors but shortly after he and his family immigrated to North America.
Nevertheless, he continued his passion for the game and immediately joined Malton Sports Club which participated in the Toronto and District Cricket Association Premier Division competition on an annual basis.
His talent was spotted by then under-19 coach Leroy Grey who was very impressed with Shamsundeen proving his wicket-keeping skills and batting technique and subsequently earned selection on the national team to tour England where he hit two half-centuries.
One of the highlights in his chequered cricketing career for Canada was playing against his all-time favorite cricketer Brian Lara in the West Indies Cricket Board regional one-day tournament held in Jamaica.
“My favorite cricket was Brian Lara and playing against him was fantastic,” Shamsundeen mentioned.
Seven years ago, Shamsundeen gave up hard-ball cricket and continued to be very much involved with the softball cricket. He led Dant to a number of finals and was very grateful to his teammates as well including, veteran Yadram Bogh, Muniram Karran among others who played with him for the past 15 years consistently.
Andrew Persaud, the owner of Dant also came in for high praise from the dashing right-hander while he lauded former Malton president, the late Norman Jackson for their pivotal role.
During his hardball days, Shamsundeen also represented Cavaliers Cricket Club, a club that dominated in Toronto for a lengthy period and he enjoyed the company of former established players, including Fazal Sattur, Abdool Samad and Travis Dowlin.
He promised to be a part of the game whether supporting the players off the field or ambitiously to take up an administrative position within a cricket organization.
He said he is working studiously to groom his eight-year-old son Jamaal to play the game too. According to Shamsundeen, Jamaal has shown great potential and his objective is to be an aggressive batsman.
Shamsundeen thanked his wife Wallima, his mother Fareera and is always inspired by his six-year-old daughter Ateeyal for their unwavering support and cooperation.