Cricket in Canada may not be as popular as ice hockey, but it has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The sport was once declared Canada’s first official sport in 1867, showcasing its early influence and presence in the country.
The Canada national cricket team is governed by Cricket Canada and represents the country in international cricket. They have competed in multiple ICC tournaments, including the ICC World Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers. The team has produced notable performances, especially in Associate-level cricket.
With growing immigrant communities and better infrastructure, cricket in Canada is experiencing a steady rise. This article explores the journey, achievements, challenges, and future prospects of the Canada national cricket team.
Canada International Cricket Team – An Overview
Canada is slowly but steadily transitioning into a stronger international cricket team. The growing fascination among the people and the global popularity of cricket are helping pave a clearer path for the sport’s development in the country.
The team has already represented Canada in top-level ICC tournaments and qualifiers. With experienced team management and expanding domestic opportunities, a talented pool of players is emerging, signaling exciting days ahead for Canadian cricket.
| Team | Canada |
| Association | Cricket Canada |
| Captain | Nicholas Kirton |
| Coach | Khurram Chohan |
| ICC Status | Associate member with ODI status (1968) |
| ICC Region | Americas |
| ICC Rankings | ODI – 16thT20I – 21st |
Now, let’s take a look at some important details about the Canada international cricket team.
Canada Cricket Team – Early Days
Cricket in Canada traces back to the 19th century, introduced by the British and quickly becoming the country’s most popular sport. So significant was its early influence that John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, even declared it the national sport.
The first international cricket fixture was played in 1844 between Canada and the United States, making it the oldest in cricket history—predating the Olympics by over 50 years. This historic rivalry remains strong across formats.
Despite not having Test status, Canada has played in ODIs and first-class matches. The team also featured in the Cricket World Cups of 1979, 2003, and 2007.
Canada Cricket Team – Squad
Let’s take a look at the current international squad of the Canada Cricket Team for both the ODI and T20I formats.
| Player | Department | Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Kirton (C) | Batter | ODI & T20I |
| Aaron Johnson | Batter | ODI & T20I |
| Pargat Singh | Batter | ODI & T20I |
| Navneet Dhaliwal | Batter | ODI & T20I |
| Dilpreet Bajwa | Batter | ODI & T20I |
| Ravinderpal Singh | Batter | ODI & T20I |
| Rayyan Pathan | Batter | T20I |
| Saad Bin Zafar | All-rounder | ODI & T20I |
| Harsh Thaker | All-rounder | ODI & T20I |
| Akhil Kumar | All-rounder | T20I |
| Shreyas Movva | Wicket Keeper | ODI & T20I |
| Ansh Patel | Bowler | ODI & T20I |
| Parveen Kumar | Bowler | T20I |
| Dillon Heyliger | Bowler | ODI & T20I |
| Kaleem Sana | Bowler | ODI & T20I |
| Rishiv Joshi | Bowler | ODI & T20I |
Administration And Staff Details
The Canada Cricket Team is guided by a dedicated coaching unit focused on player development and international performance. Khurram Chohan currently serves as the head coach, bringing experience and leadership to the squad.
Supporting him is assistant coach John Davison, a former Canadian international known for his impactful World Cup performances and cricketing insight.
Home Ground
The Canada Cricket Team usually operates from their home ground in Toronto, known as the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club Ground.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 4,875 and is one of the few ICC-sanctioned venues in the country. It hosted its first ODI in 1996, a historic match between India and Pakistan.
Latest ICC Tournaments Played By Canada
In 2024, Canada made its debut in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. Competing in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Ireland, and the USA, Canada secured one victory against Ireland but did not advance past the group stage .
Following the T20 World Cup, Canada returned to action in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, continuing their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup .
Canada Cricket Team – ICC Rankings
As of the latest update, the Canada Cricket Team holds the 16th position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings. This ranking reflects the team’s competitive spirit and consistent performances on the international circuit. Their focus remains on climbing higher through key victories in future tournaments.
In the T20I format, Canada is currently ranked 21st in the ICC standings. Although this ranking places them outside the top tier, the team is showing promise with their growing talent pool, aiming to improve their position with strong performances in upcoming T20I events.
Canada Cricket Team – Players To Watch Out For
Canadian cricket is experiencing steady growth, with talents across the country being recognized and gaining much-needed exposure to the world of cricket. These are some players who could play a key role in the future of the Canada Cricket Team, as they await a bright future ahead.
1. Harsh Thaker
Harsh Thaker is a promising all-rounder for the Canada Cricket Team, excelling as a right-handed batsman and right-arm off-spinner.
He debuted in ODIs in 2023 and T20Is in 2019, amassing over 600 runs and 20 wickets in ODIs and nearly 450 runs with 29 wickets in T20Is. Thaker’s dynamic performances make him a key player to watch.
2. Nicholas Kirton
Nicholas Kirton, the skipper of the Canada Cricket Team, is a dynamic left-handed batter and occasional off-spin bowler. Born in Barbados on May 6, 1998, he made his debut for Canada in 2023.
With over 600 runs and a strike rate exceeding 120 in ODIs, Kirton’s leadership and all-round skills make him a key player to watch.
3. Dilpreet Bajwa
Dilpreet Bajwa, born on January 26, 2003, is a promising all-rounder for the Canada Cricket Team. He bats right-handed and bowls right-arm off-spin.
Bajwa made his T20I debut in September 2023 and his ODI debut in February 2024. With a strong domestic record and international experience, he is a key player to watch in Canada’s lineup.
Future Of Canada Cricket Setup
Cricket Canada is actively investing in the sport’s growth through strategic initiatives. The partnership with the National Cricket League (NCL) to operate the GT20 league aims to establish a sustainable professional ecosystem, developing domestic talent and attracting global attention.
Internationally, Canada is focusing on qualifying for major tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 and the T20 World Cup. The Women’s National Team is also targeting ODI status through the ICC World Cup Americas Qualifier in Argentina.
These efforts are designed to build a vibrant cricketing community and foster the next generation of players.
Conclusion: Canada Cricket Team’s Growth Signals An Exciting Future In Cricket!
The Canada Cricket Team has made significant strides in recent years, with a strong focus on player development and increasing international exposure. The team’s participation in key tournaments like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and ICC World Cup League 2 demonstrates their growing presence in global cricket.
As the sport continues to gain popularity, the future looks bright for Canadian cricket. Emerging talents like Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton, and Dilpreet Bajwa are showing great promise, and their performances offer hope for sustained success.
With strategic investments in grassroots programs and infrastructure, Canada is poised to make a significant impact on the international cricket stage.
