Cricket enthusiasts from the Prairie provinces came together for a tournament to celebrate the inauguration of a new cricket pitch at La Barrière Park just south of Winnipeg over the weekend. Paramjit Shahi, the president of the Manitoba Cricket Association, described the event as a long-awaited aspiration for cricketers in Manitoba. The development of the high-performance pitch at La Barrière Park began in 2018, and it has since expanded to include two additional high-performance pitches, four practice nets, and a batting cage, according to a recent news release.
Shahi acknowledged the crucial support from the local government, provincial authorities, and organizations like Cricket Canada in making the project a reality. The city allocated over $1.1 million for the installation, upkeep, and new signage for the cricket facilities, situated on public land leased by the Manitoba Cricket Association. Waverley West Coun. Janice Lukes, who contributed nearly $950,000 from her ward’s budget to the initiative, envisioned La Barrière Park as the central hub for cricket in Manitoba.
The project received backing from various council members, including St. Norbert-Seine River Coun. Markus Chambers, St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes, Old Kildonan Coun. Devi Sharma, and St. Boniface Coun. Matt Allard. During the grand opening ceremony, Lukes highlighted the unifying power of cricket, emphasizing its ability to bring communities and nations together in a positive and enjoyable manner.
One tournament participant, Milan Dave, shared his passion for the sport, noting the exceptional quality of the new cricket fields. With players traveling from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to compete, Dave expressed how the top-notch facilities at La Barrière Park enhanced the overall cricket experience. The grand opening marked a significant milestone for the Manitoba Cricket Association, which plans to designate the grounds as its primary venue while construction continues at the Assiniboine Park cricket pitch.
Manoj Chaudhari, a former board member of the Manitoba Cricket Association, commended the dedication and collaboration that led to the successful completion of the grounds. He highlighted the substantial growth of cricket in the province, with the association now overseeing nearly 70 teams in 2025. Looking ahead, Chaudhari revealed plans to construct three additional pitches in Manitoba to accommodate the sport’s increasing popularity.
Shahi expressed delight at the sight of numerous players enjoying the newly opened cricket pitches at La Barrière Park, emphasizing their appeal to players from different provinces. He mentioned that cricket organizations nationwide have sought advice from the Manitoba Cricket Association on expanding the sport in their regions, illustrating the impact and significance of the new cricket facilities in Manitoba.