Watch: Rahul Dravid speaks in the Canada locker room in Florida and recalls his time in Scotland

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid took the opportunity to motivate the Canadian players when he addressed their dressing room after their Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2024 was canceled due to a wet outfield in Lauderhill, Florida. Dravid said it was not easy being an Associate Nation and praised Canada’s players and support staff members for being an inspiration to their country’s future cricketers.

The former India captain recalled his time as a foreign professional player in Scotland in 2003 to highlight the difficulties of being an Associate Nation. Dravid played 11 one-day matches for Scotland in their domestic cricket league and a tour match against a visiting Pakistan team in 2003, just after the ODI World Cup.

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“Thank you very much. I want to recognize and appreciate the fantastic contribution that you have made to this tournament. I think we all recognize the struggles and challenges that you all have to go through to be able to play this sport,” Rahul Dravid said in his speech in the locker room to the Canadian players in Florida.

“It’s not easy. I understand that having played as a cricketer for Scotland, I think, in 2003.

“So I know that the fight is for an associated country. But honestly, you are a great inspiration to all of us, to show that we really love the game. The kind of sacrifices you are willing to make to play this tournament.

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“All I will say is keep pushing this sport forward. I’m sure you inspire young boys and girls in your own country to be able to play this sport. I think it’s great for world cricket “, he added.

Dravid also received a special Canadian cricket team jersey which was signed by the associated nation’s players and support staff.

India finished their campaign with 7 points in Group A, topping the table and qualifying for the Super 8. Canada finished with 3 points after a Test win over Ireland.

India will next face Afghanistan in the first of their three Super 8 matches in Barbados on June 20. Dravid’s tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team will end after the T20 World Cup. Dravid refused to reapply for the head coach position after the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) invited applications last month.