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United States Youth Cricket Association president Jamie Harrison will deliver a presentation on youth cricket in Toronto this weekend at the ICC Americas Regional Development Forum.

The invitation was issued by ICC Americas Regional Development Manager Martin Vieira. The annual meeting will bring together representatives from the region’s associate countries - Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Suriname, USA - along with an affiliate representative.

Bermuda Cricket Board CEO Neil Speight will represent Bermuda in Toronto.

Harrison’s presentation will highlight his experiences with the implementation of cricket in schools across the USA. Over 800 American schools have been the beneficiary of free cricket sets and rudimentary training since May 2010 through the USYCA Schools Program.

Several of the nations, including Canada, are embarking on similar schools programs in their respective countries, and have expressed a desire to meet with Harrison.

“Obviously, this represents a tremendous opportunity for USYCA to shine on the world stage,” Harrison said. “Plus, there’ll be some valuable international acquaintances to be made.”

Among those attending the Toronto forum will be: Dr. Ernest Hilaire, CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board; Andy Hobbs, Development Programs Manager, ICC; Wendell Coppin, Regional Development Officer, ICC Americas; and Andy Pick, Development Programs Officer, ICC Americas.

Meanwhile the English Cricket Board tightens England qualification rules for overseas-born players, they are also hoping that the ICC follow suit.

The qualification period for cricketers born abroad to play for England has increased from four years to seven, Male cricketers who move to England after their 18th birthday will be subject to the new regulation.

The increase will not apply to those who arrive in England before they reach adulthood though.

Players who have already qualified for England will remain eligible to play provided they continue to meet the existing regulations.

The amendment also gives the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) a degree of flexibility.

The governing body can reduce the residency period to four years for prospective players who either hail from a country which is not a full member of the International Cricket Council, or who arrived in England before 25 April.

Under the previous four-year rule, the ECB selected a number of overseas players.

They include South Africa-born Kevin Pietersen, who starred during the 2005 Ashes five years after beginning his county career with Nottinghamshire.