Last Man Stands Cricket League Thrives in Canada

VANCOUVER, BC, July 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Since its inception in 2021, the Last Man Stands (LMS) league has rapidly gained popularity in Canada, expanding to over 1,000 players. LMS offers a distinctive global platform with World Championships for amateur cricketers, emphasising diversity, equity, inclusion, and players' mental and physical well-being. Matches are completed in just two hours, featuring custom jerseys, live scoring, professional umpiring, and live streaming.

Professor M. Emrul Hasan from the University of British Columbia brought the LMS concept to Canada. The league aims to make cricket accessible by eliminating the need for club membership, and allowing participants to play with friends, family, and colleagues in a recreational environment that promotes well-being.

In 2023, LMS introduced its University/College Cricket League, which achieved great success. The number of teams doubled for the 2024 season, which began in July. LMS also operates multiple leagues, allowing anyone to play at any time.

LMS collaborates with major organisations like Sport for Life, PICS, ISU, and has secured funding from federal, provincial, and local governments for permits, grounds, and administration. The league supports equity-deserving groups, including newcomers and refugees, by offering low-cost cricket opportunities. Over the past two years, more than 200 players have benefited from this initiative.

LMS Canada seeks donors, sponsors, supporters, and sub-franchises to help sustain and grow these opportunities, particularly for the LMS Canadian University/College League. Many students in this league are newcomers who cannot afford to play cricket.

"We launched LMS to enable equity-deserving groups to enjoy the game they love," said Hasan, President of LMS Canada. "We prioritise the mental and physical health of amateur cricketers, most of whom are newcomers. With additional support, we can further expand our reach and impact."

The LMS DEI Foundation is backed by organisations such as viaSport BC, the City of Vancouver park board, the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation, and various partners. LMS Canada is also exploring investor and franchise opportunities across the country.