MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 24, 2004 AGM 

                                     HOUSTON CRICKET LEAGUE

This report presents the key elements of the HCL Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Pavani Indian Cuisine on January 24, 2004.

Officials In Attendance

Tony Best, President, CUCC

Phil Trayner, Vice-President, MCC

Sanjit Tayi, Secretary, HTCC

Cameron Best, Treasurer, CICC

Danish Rizvi, Webmaster, HCSC

Mike Bhakta, Ex-Officio, BCC

Kuldeep Patel, Ex-Officio, HICC

Salman Khan, Ex-Officio, RCC

Members In Attendance

Channi Bains, TOG; Osama Khan, HFCC; Majid Rizvi, HRCC; Sushant Duddala HRCC; Mignesh, HRCC; Mignesh Patel, HRCC; Abhinav Prashar, RCC;  Bobby Thomas Matthews, RCC; Ankush Prashar, RCC; Aatif Ali, RCC; Kiran Bhakta, BICC; Pramod Bhakta, BICC; Dharmesh Bhakta, BICC;  Privyesh Bhakta, BCC; Vipesh Bhakta, BICC; Kamlesh Bhakta, BICC; Dave Bhakta, BCC; Jiten Bhakta, BCC; V.T. Jiva, BICC; Jam Ali, HCSC;Himanshu Patel, PACC / ESCP; Mukesh Bhakta, PACC / ESCP; Yogesh Patel, HICC; Andy Khusro, ACC; Zahid Naseem, ACC; Wasif, NHCC; Manzer Butte, HCC; Dhanesh Bhatia, HCC; Errol .A. Eccles, HWISC; Noel Jhagroo, HWISC; Vincent Bennett, HWISC; Anand V, CCC; Vinay, HPCC; Navdeep Singh, HPCC; Narendra Patel, LPSH; Kinjal Sindha, LPSH;Omeir Khan, EECC; Owais Ghori, EECC.

There was a quorum with 18 of 21 member clubs attending the meeting.

1.    EECC

2.    RCC

3.    CUCC

4.    BICC

5.    ACC

6.    HCSC

7.    HTCC

8.    MCC

9.    HICC

10.CCC

11.CICC

12.LPSH

13.HWI

14.LPSH

15.NHCC

16.HFCC

17.HPCC

18.PACC

Member Clubs absent include HBCC, SCC and HJCC.

The meeting was called to order by the Vice-President Phil Trayner at 11.00 a.m. Phil Trayner welcomed the group in his opening remarks. He noted that HCL 2003 season had expanded cricket activities at all levels. The league faced small difficulties but overall the season saw exciting cricket with increase in the number of participating clubs in 2003.

The Vice-President welcomed the representatives of all the above member clubs and also the 2 new clubs, namely, Houston Riders Cricket Club (HRCC) and Executive Sports Club of Port Arthur (ESCP).

President’s Report:

Tony Best detailed various HCL activities in 2003. Highlights of Tony’s remarks are presented below: Refer Annexure I for the entire report.

The 2003 cricket season was one of the best years that HCL has experienced in the most recent past. Great improvement was noted in all areas of cricket in Houston. We expanded our cricket participation nationally and internationally. Some of our young players played for the USA U-19 national team for the first time in the history of the league. Three senior players also gaining selection at the same time to the USA national team. We applaud all of those who were part of and/or contributed to this success.

Congratulation to all of the winners of the four Divisions last season, Houston Cricket Club (HCC) Div. 1, Houston Cougars Sports Club (HCSC) Div. 2, Elite Eleven Cricket Club (EECC) and Houston Falcons Cricket Club (HFCC) Div. 4.

Also congratulations to Houston India Cricket Club on winning the HCL championship Final for the third time in a row. Three-Peat for a “Jolly” club! Renegades Cricket Club was a worthy runner-up as well. The 2003 play-offs were a great success.

A high school/youth tournament was played in HCL for the first time. Good success was achieved from the performances of young players who participated. We were able to offer exceptionally talented cricketers like Mignesh Patel and Chirag Bhakta who represented USA in the ICC-Americas U-19 Tournament in Toronto Canada.

We hope to expand this program into a formal USACA recognized Junior Youth Development Program (JYDP with help from qualified cricket coaches like Shaun Miller. HCL and its affiliated clubs should make financial contribution to the purchase of equipment and other items required for this program. The program started by Sarwar Fayyaz of GHCC in the middle schools needs to continue and volunteers are welcomed.

We thank all of the clubs, friends, players and their families for supporting attending the Annual Awards Banquet held at the Comfort Inn and Suites this past Saturday. Several great performances and record achievements were honored. A variety of food was served by our caterer Sean Chapman. We had a great time and saw about a 50% increase in attendance over last year. We thank Mike Bhakta for allowing HCL to use the Banquet Hall and other facilities for the evening. We expect all of the clubs to honor the mandatory commitment to fund this effort as we have done for the past few years. Let us plan to make next year’s even bigger and better by brining a friend as one of our guest Mike Ghouse, president of NTCA admonished in his speech.

Sponsorship was one of the areas that we have tried to focus on in 2003. We are happy to say that hosting the 2003 USACA National Championship Tournament was great for HCL as it presented an opportunity for several businesses and individuals including Air Jamaica whose represented Francis Powell was one of our guest at the Annual Awards Banquet to contribute to the league financially.  Due to this, we were able to offset all of our cost for the National Tournament and the HCL Championship Finals. We thank USACA and the sponsors for having confidence in HCL. We hope to increase our fundraising activities in 2004.

We look forward to the Cricket World International One-Day Tournament that will bring some of the best professional players to Houston. A Concessions Agreement expected to be signed with Harris County Department in the near future that would allow HCL and the clubs in Tom Bass Park to develop complete cricketing facilities including club houses. We expect greater support of this magnitude from others as well as we approach other surrounding cities, precincts and counties in our area. HCL thanks those who have and plan to spearhead more of these efforts.

This year we propose an increase from $175.00 to $250.00 for clubs with one team, with an additional $150.00 for an additional team. This is necessary in order to support the new programs such as a Hall of Fame display to be put in place and assist with those being continued. HCL remains one of the bargain leagues for clubs to join as others have fees ranging from $750.00 in NTCA to $2500.00 in Southern California.

We all need to be proud of Houston Cricket League’s history and to contribute fully towards its continuing growth and expansion. We thank you once again for playing in Houston Cricket League in 2003, and may your club continue to do so successfully in 2004. God Bless each and everyone with a safe season and great performances.

Errol Eccles (HWI) raised the issue of the 2004 division structure, the Non-Profit Status of HCL and requests for midseason contributions from clubs. The President responded that the Executive Committee would take such decisions in these matters. 

V Anand (CCC) supported Errol and said that all the clubs have to agree on midseason financial contributions including increase of Fees. He requested for the motion to be voted and approved by all the clubs.

Phil responded to Errol and Anand stating that the (EC) is democratically elected and EC is working in the best interests of all the clubs.

Yogesh Patel (HICC) added that EC is a good concept and the progress made in 2003 was commendable.

After a short discussion, the President’s Report was unanimously approved by voice vote.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Cameron Best presented a truly fine professional accounting of HCL’s financial status. Refer Annexure II for the entire report. Highlights of his report are summarized below:

                    2003 Season Balance sheet

                        Revenues                                 $26,402.46

                        Expenses                                 $23,981.28

                        Surplus                                   $2421.18

HCL received about $4000 in subscriptions and about another $4000 from sponsors. National finals cost of about $9000 was funded by USACA. What Cameron showed us in his analyses is that we need a minimum of $10,000 in operating expenses to be safe. If we have less income from sponsors we will be very constraint in our planning process in 2004. Bottom line is that HCL’s bank balance stands at  $4,753.70 at the beginning of 2004 season.

Cameron stated that all those clubs that paid $100 during the National Championships will get a credit for $30 and will be adjusted for USACA 2004 Fees.

Cameron also stated that Annual Banquet Fees of $90 per club has been an HCL policy to encourage all clubs to participate in this event. Clubs are requested to honor this for the benefit of the league.

Phil Trayner (MCC) proposed a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Yogesh Patel (HICC) seconded the motion.

The Treasurer’s Report was then unanimously approved by voice vote.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2004:

The Secretary, Sanjit Tayi stated that the following candidates had submitted nominations for election to the Executive Committee for the 2004 season:

Tony Best - President

Phil Trayner - Vice President

Channi Bains- Secretary

Cameron Best - Treasurer

Sanjit Tayi- Statistician / Webmaster

Bobby Matthews - Ex-Officio

Osama Khan - Ex-Officio

The Secretary, Sanjit Tayi, invited other nominations for President. There were no other nominations from the floor. Tony Best was elected unanimously as President by Voice Vote.

The Secretary invited other nominations for Vice-President. There were no other nominations from the floor. Phil Trayner was elected unanimously as Vice-President by Voice Vote

The Secretary invited other nominations for Secretary. There were no other nominations from the floor. Channi Bains was elected unanimously as Secretary by Voice Vote

The Secretary invited other nominations for Treasurer. There were no other nominations from the floor. Cameron Best was elected unanimously as Treasurer by Voice Vote

The Secretary invited other nominations for Statistician / Webmaster. There were no other nominations from the floor. Sanjit Tayi was elected unanimously as Statistician/Web Master by Voice Vote.

There were 3 more nominations from the floor for Ex-Officio positions - Yogesh Patel (HICC), Andy Khusro (ACC) and Omeir Khan (EECC). Elections were held for 3 positions

There were representatives from 18 clubs during the voting process and each club was given 4 votes. The Secretary counted Total Votes:

HCL Constitution was amended to add two more Ex-Officio (EO) members to the committee. As a result all the 5 nominees are now part of the executive committee. Yogesh Patel, Osama Khan, Bobby Matthews, Omeir Khan and Andy Khusro were elected as the 5 Ex-Officio members of the Houston Cricket League for the 2004 season.

The amendment to the HCL Constitution was unanimously approved by all the clubs by Voice Vote.

Errol Eccles (HWI) recognized the efforts of EC members who were stepping down from the EC for the 2004 season. Danish, Salman and Kuldeep’s contributions to the Houston Cricket League were appreciated.

WALKOVERS AND PENALTIES:

The head of the disciplinary committee, the Vice-President Mr. Phil Trayner imposed the following penalties to teams giving walkovers for the 2003 season.

PACC had 7 walkovers. HCL took a less drastic punishment consisting of $100 fine and immediate expulsion if PACC has more than 2 walkovers in 2004.

GHCC, SCC and HJCC had 2 walkovers in 2003 and will have to pay a $100 fine that will be returned if there is less than 1 walkover in 2004.

LPSH, ACC, HICC II and NHC had 1 walkover in 2003 and were reprimanded.

2004 SEASON FEES:

The following fee structure was approved at the AGM.

New Team Joining Fees          $75

Annual Dues per team                       $250

Same Club 2^nd team                 $125

USACA dues                           $30

CLUB REGISTRATION AND GROUNDS:

All clubs are requested to submit details of club organization. They must name one “club leader” together with alternate responsible officers of the club. These individuals will be recognized as the spokesmen for that club for the 2004 season. Clubs should ensure that ground arrangements are made in the name of club organization or its leader. Securing and maintaining suitable grounds demand time, commitment and hard work and that remains one of the biggest responsibilities for a club to face. Hopefully most clubs will be able to make their own arrangements to secure a field or share a field. HCL will do its best to assist those who need help in this area. These clubs will have to accept whatever the League is able to provide within a published framework. HCL believes the following ‘order of magnitude’ estimates towards investments in a cricket ground:

Concrete wicket             $2500 -$4000

Sightscreens                 $2000 -$3500

Annual Maintenance             $500  - $2000

Weekly Mowing                        $60 - $150

Lawn Mower               $1000 - $2000

Clay Wicket                 Minimum 10 hours labor

All clubs are requested to advise HCL regarding grounds position so the Summer League entry plans can be completed. Based on this response the new EC may decide to opt for Saturday games. Club entry fee together with ground plan must be submitted to HCL no later than February 22^nd. Mailing address:

                                                            Houston Cricket League

                                                            P.O. Box 1821

                                                            Alief Texas 77411-1821

Errol Eccles (HWI) suggested a secondary point of contact apart from the Club Leader proposed by Phil.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Following HCL activity is planned in March:

March 6^th -- Captains Meeting

March7^th  -- League Kickoff Games

March 14^th - Start Summer league

Andy Khusro (ACC) said the summer season was stretched out too far and the number of games must be reduced. Vice-President replied that if possible, we should reduce the length of the season and also the number of games.

Tony stated Sanjit has been working with the 2 Bhakta teams to resolve their differences and that the Compromise Plan was still being considered by the Bhaktas.

Omeir asked a question on why the clubs must pay for junior programs. Tony responded that we need to spread the word about the cricket in schools so as to get more kids into Cricket. Yogesh Patel (HICC) also supported the fee increased for spread of youth cricket

Manzer Butte (HCC) asked for an HCL Budget for 2004. Phil responded that the new executive committee will finalize that at the next EC meeting. Treasurer agreed that it would be done.

A vote was held for approving the HCL fee increases. 18 clubs voting the motion was passed with 15 clubs favoring the increase and 3 clubs against.

Tony agreed that the HCL umpiring certification program must continue to improve the standard of umpiring in the league. Tony and Phil suggested that Independent Panel of umpires to be expanded with the addition of many more neutral umpires.

The newly elected Secretary Channi Bains stated the negotiations for the Tom Bass Parks are at a critical and delicate stage and the concessionaire agreement is due to be signed by HCL and the Park Authorities very soon. Channi requested the clubs not to liaison with the Park Authorities directly.

Errol Eccles suggested that a 2 division structure like Mudassar has outlined on the MCC Message Boards. Noel  Jhagroo (HWI) asked about the division structure for 2004. Phil responded that the EC would decide the structure soon.

Danish Rizvi (HCSC) mentioned that the balls for the 2004 season would be handled by Kuldeep same as last year.

Abhinav Prashar (RCC) mentioned that teams inviting outside players just before the playoffs should not be allowed. Abhinav suggested that players must play a certain number of league games for being eligible for playoffs. Phil responded that they cannot restrict anyone from playing cricket in Houston and if good players do come it improves the level of cricket in Houston.

ANNEXURES:

ANNEXURE I - PRESIDENT’S REPORT

ANNEXURE II - TREASURER’S REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The author wishes to thank Sanjit Tayi for substantial input to this report. My thanks to Danish Rizvi and EC members for reviewing and forwarding their comments.

Channi Bains

HCL Secretary

February 3,2004