February 16, 2025

When Dominican-born Victoria Park Cricket Club player Michael Burke died nearly five decades ago, close friend Martin Vieira became the son’s father figure.

“Uncle Martin was an integral part of my life,” recalled Patrick Burke who is a retired Toronto Police Service Detective Constable. “Though living in the Victoria Park Ave. and Danforth Ave. area at the time, he drove to Bowmanville to take me to and from cricket practice during the week and on weekends for games. He did that for other kids as well. When I was 15, he gave me my first job at Wallace Sporting Goods store he co-owned with Austin Ward (retired Canadian cricket administrator). He did that for many other youths at places he worked, including Matel, Borisco Brothers that was a moving and storage company and Gibson Textile. He made sure a lot of people were comfortable by giving them jobs.”

The selfless Vieira, who went on to be a key figure in the development of cricket in Canada and the Americas, passed away on February 13.

He was 78.

Burke visited him in hospital a few days before his death.

“We kept in touch and talked a lot about cricket,” said the Township of King By-Law Services Manager. “On the last visit, I mentioned that the ICC Champions Trophy tournament is starting soon in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. His eyes lit up, and he said, ‘That is the 50-overs tournament’. I said yes.”

After nearly 30 years as a player, coach and administrator, Vieira was appointed the International Cricket Council (ICC) Regional Manager for the Americas region in 2003.

He agreed to interview for the job on the condition that he would be based in Toronto if he got the position.

The largest of the ICC regions, the Americas was the only area without support staff at the time. That changed with the hiring of a Regional Development & Coaching Officer and a Program Officer.

“The ICC is prepared to develop the game in this area, especially Canada and the Americas, which they have identified as the leading Associates in the region,” he told me in an interview in April 2003. “The ICC is, however, counting on these Boards to engage in sound planning and their ability to deliver their commitments. I believe in getting value for my investment and I am not prepared to recommend ICC funds be used in instances where it is not worth it.”

Vieira served in the position for nine years.

Ravin Moorthy was Cricket Canada’s President during the majority of Vieira’s time with the ICC.