Ashish Bagai steps down as Canada captain

Delhi boy Ashish Bagai on Monday resigned as the captain of the Canada cricket team ahead of the Intercontinental Cup in June.

Bagai, who led the team in the 2011 World Cup, will continue to be available for selection as a player.

"It has been an honour to captain my country in the sport I love. I thank everyone in this organisation who helped and supported me throughout my term including administrators, coaches, managers and most of all, the players," Bagai said in a letter to Cricket Canada's board.

"I undertook each task over the last two years with the primary objective of moving not just the team but also the entire organisation forward."

Bagai was appointed captain for the first time in 2007 Intercontinental Cup but he chose to take up a job of banker in London. The passion for playing got the better of him as he quit his job in 2009 and signed a contract with Cricket Canada to play full-time and was also made the captain.

Cricket Canada thanked Bagai for taking the team through tough times.

"Cricket Canada thanks Ashish for his outstanding contribution to Canadian cricket at a time when circumstances were difficult and challenging," Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini said in a statement.

"I wish him well and look forward to his continued contribution as a player and strong supporter of Canadian cricket."