Giving a formal presentation at the launch of Canadian Cricket Federation (CCF), Ali Abbas Hassanie, one of the board members, disclosed the initial structure of the body and termed it the beginning of a new era in the history of national cricket.

"The time has come to move forward because cricket cannot be made hostage of one organization. If they don't do anything, the game will not improve, but as a nation we have to change our direction," said Hassanie.

"Under the CCF umbrella, we will work together for the promotion of cricket and take it to the next highest level in Canada," said Hassanie.

The CCF board members were joined by officials from Ontario Cricket Board (OCA) and other like-minded provincial bodies from across Canada. With its corporate office in Mississauga, CCF's board of directors are Marlene Gallyot (Ontario), Ali Abbas Hassanie (Quebec), Gulwant Singh Bajwa (Ontario), Aizaz Ahmad (Alberta), Amjad Bajwa (British Columbia), Yudhvir Jaswal (Ontario) and Denzil Dixon (Saskatchewan).

Hassanie said soon CCF will convene its first general membership meeting to elect the chairman of the board as well as executive members, followed by a procedure of notifying and submitting applications with Sports Canada and International Cricket Council (ICC) for CCF's membership in these organizations.

Expressing his dissatisfaction over the progress of cricket in Canada, Hassanie said: "In the same year in 1979, both Canada and Sri Lanka were qualified for the World Cup, but today we cannot compare Canada with Sri Lanka. We're not behind because of the lack of cricketers, but actually it's because of lack of organization," said Hassanie.

"CCF is committed to building cricket facilities in major centres, organizing coaching and training camps across Canada, and hosting national championships geared towards hunting top players."

He said soon CCF will become the leader in hosting national and international events in Canada.

Hassanie also revealed that all major provincial bodies including Ontario Cricket Association, Quebec Cricket Association, Alberta Cricket Federation, West Coast Cricket Association (British Columbia) and Saskatchewan Cricket Basics have already joined the CCF, while others have shown their willingness to do so.