South American Championships: Colombia may be late addition

A team from Colombia may be a last minute inclusion in next month's South American Championship to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The fate of of the potential entry will be decided at a match being played on November 19 between members of Bogota's expatriate community (please see separate article on cricket in Colombia).

Colombia's inclusion would be a welcome addition for South American Championship organiser, Grant Dugmore, as an eighth team would allow for two equal groups of four.

Argentina "A", Brazil, Chile, Guyana Masters, Panama, Peru and Venezuela have so far confirmed their participation for the fourth staging of the event, to be held from December 7-10.

A team representing Panama will compete for the first time, drawn from its expatriate Indian community.

Another team making its 'debut' in name only, is the Argentina 'A' side, replacing the full-strength Argentine national squad. This follows Argentina's domination of all three previous championships, not losing a game.

It also provides the Argentine Cricket Association with a chance to blood its 'A' team.

The event is important to the development of cricket in Latin America, providing the only opportunity for most teams to compete in tournament play, and gives cricketers in those countries an event to aim for.

Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru have competed in every tournament so far, while the Guyana Masters and Venezuela will be making their second appearance.

Guyana will be represented by the Miami Masters, a group of West Indian businessmen 40+, known around the Caribbean.