TORONTO, May 26: Good news at last for Canada – they have announced their search for a chief executive to lead their push towards professional cricket. The full-time role will be funded by ICC and the Canada Cricket Association (CCA).

Whoever is appointed will report to the CCA president Ben Sennik, with responsibilities for financial reporting, marketing and helping to implement a high-performance program alongside the new coach.

The ad states that the ideal candidate will be ‘preferably fluent in English and French’. But while the CCA is required to have a bilingual policy, in line with Federal Government policy, finding someone who speaks both languages who also has in-depth knowledge of the game both globally and within Canada, and has an excellent business brain may be a task of needle and haystack — though not impossible.

Nevertheless, the news couldn't come at a better time for Canada: putting it mildly, it's been a bad week.

Their preparations for the Intercontinental Cup final were shoddy at best — though not entirely of their own making – and the outcome laid bare what's wrong within the game. They didn't look like a unit; their body language was poor, and they hadn't had enough practice.

It's hardly their fault — they had played little cricket, and some play on artificial wickets when they do — but John Davison's tag of ‘village and embarrassing’ for one of their World Cup displays was equally relevant on the first day.

In retrospect, however, it was a very big ask. Not one member of the CCA, nor any of the selectors, was there to witness the display – a funding issue – but all of which was sorrily contrasted by a smiling, enthusiastic Ireland side and board.

And now Canada are without a coach, following Andy Pick's return to England Under-19 duties. So what better time than to announce that now they are looking for someone who can redress this situation, and inject some much-needed professionalism?

Furthermore, the chief executive will be required to offer a clear marketing program which is vital, as funding continues to be a massive issue.

The CCA themselves recognise that for the players to become professional is a long process, but this role is exciting news for the country, the new coach and the new chief exec. Now they just have to find them.—Agencies