Canadian cricketers are ready to make their mark on the world stage as they prepare to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time. The team will face co-hosts the U.S. in the opening match on Saturday at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Head coach Pubudu Dassanayake, returning for his second stint, expressed the team’s excitement, saying, “Every player’s dream is to be in the World Cup. There’s a lot of excitement within the playing group.”
Team captain Saad Bin Zafar from Brampton hopes the tournament will shine a spotlight on Canadian cricket and inspire future generations. “You couldn’t ask for a better platform than the T20 World Cup,” Zafar stated.
Canada, ranked 23rd in the world, will face formidable opponents in Group A, including top-ranked India, Pakistan, Ireland, and the U.S. The team aims to secure early victories against the U.S. and Ireland to set up crucial matches against cricket powerhouses Pakistan and India.
Veteran bowler Jeremy Gordon believes in the team’s potential, saying, “We strongly believe that we can compete with those guys … We’re actually looking to put up a good showing against those legends of T20 cricket.”
Marjot Sandhu, MPP, also expressed her support, stating, “This step ensures our children learn the basics of financial literacy and responsibility, preparing them for a better future.”
Canada qualified for the World Cup by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Region Final in October. The team’s progress is bolstered by a well-balanced roster and the support of Cricket Canada’s commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals.
Coach Dassanayake credits the team’s success to its balanced lineup, featuring fast bowlers like Kaleem Sana and Gordon, all-rounders such as Dilon Heyliger, and strong batsmen including Aaron Johnson and Navneet Dhaliwal.
The Canadian team is determined to make a lasting impression on the world stage and inspire