It's all fun and games in Bermuda where top groundsman Andy Atkinson last year described the island's new pitch as "more suitable for growing carrots". Now a row is brewing because of plans to import 100 truckloads of soil to try to tackle the problem ... but it seems that is in contravention of strict rules banning anyone bringing soil in from abroad. As one campaigner said:

[There are] rumours that the importation would go ahead because “some guy” who was good at spinning a cricket ball was suddenly an expert on soil and cricket pitches.

Ehsan Mani, the ICC president, and Malcolm Speed, the CEO, both praised Nepal's performance in Under-19 cricket and hoped that the country would translate the success in the senior level as well. Speed said:

The most impressing thing is that the semi-finals and the final of the ACC Under-19 Cup were watched by 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. Nepal's passion for cricket is very impressive and we will be telling these to other associate and affiliate countries as well.

Top Irish batsman Jeremy Bray has signed for Eglinton. Chairman Jon Pierce said:

Jeremy's signing is an important one for us to demonstrate that we are serious about our cricket here and he will be a great role model. We have a new professional next summer who comes with great coaching credentials and that is the direction we want to be taking as a club.

Tornado made a bold statement, humbling Africa by 104 runs in the final of the Uganda's Castle Champions Trophy at Lugogo Cricket Ground to scoop all the season's silverware. Roger Mukasa, a 15-year-old batsman, was named Man of the Series for his 582 runs, six wickets and ten catches.

Grim news at the AGM of the Canadian Cricket Association where only two members of the public turned out to watch.

What was revealed is the disconcerting impression that the Canadian Cricket Association is being directed by the ICC and it's policies, which appear to be driven by avarice and not the love of the game. (Note that the ICC has hidden away its headquarters in a 'tax haven', or should that be a tax heaven.) ... blindly following the path directed by the ICC will not necessarily mean that the average Canadian club cricketer will benefit. Without a perceived benefit, will the grass roots be interested and supportive?

Given Canada's disappointing exit from this year's Intercontinental Cup, it has been a poor few months for them.