West Indian Dhaniram plays a key role for Canada in Sharjah match

Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010

Gulf News

Sharjah Sunil Dhaniram, who scored 130 to help Canada pile up 566 runs in the first innings against Afghanistan in the Intercontinental Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, is a friend of West Indies star player Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Both were born in Guyana and grew up playing together.

Dhaniram was a prolific scorer in Guyana's domestic cricket but failed to clinch a place in the West Indies team, unlike his friend who went on to sail to great heights in world cricket.

Dhaniram migrated to Canada and today works as a forklift driver. Though it is not easy for him to play cricket due to the cold weather and snow, he makes sure to score heavily for Canada and also pick up wickets with his slow left-arm spin in international cricket.

"It is very tough to play in Canada because we get only three months to play due to the weather. So when I tour with the team I enjoy it," Dhaniram told Gulf News.

"I consider Sharjah Cricket Stadium as my favourite ground. Every time I have played here, I have performed brilliantly. Last time, I hit a half century and took five wickets," said Dhaniram, who once hit an unbeaten 141 against the UAE in the Intercontinental Cup in Toronto in July 2007.

Dhaniram's elder brother Sudesh plays for the US team. He too played for Guyana and even went on to represent West Indies A team, but migrated to United States to earn a living.

"My greatest moment was when I had Kevin Pietersen caught and bowled in 2007 World Cup. It was a great experience as I got to meet all West Indies players," said Dhaniram, who used to play alongside Carl Hooper and Roger Harper in West Indies.

Canada have qualified to play in the 2011 World Cup.

"I will play in the 2011 World Cup and then call it a day. This may be my last tour to Sharjah," Dhaniram said.

By K.R. Nayar