Cricket Canada has recently joined the growing trend of league cricket. In an effort to captivate the attention of spectators and motivate young individuals both domestically and internationally, Cricket Canada unveiled this league in 2018. The inaugural tournament took place in June of the same year, featuring a total of six teams vying for victory.
Announcing a cricket league and gaining acceptance was a complex task for Cricket Canada, considering its rich cricket history and the expectations of its fans. Nevertheless, following the approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in February 2018, Cricket Canada embarked on its most ambitious project.
The six teams were the Vancouver Knights, Winnipeg Hawks, Toronto Nationals, Surrey Jaguars, Montreal Tigers, and Brampton Wolves. Typically, every team consists of four Canadian cricketers, and the remaining players are freelance cricketers hailing from various countries such as India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and other nations known for their cricket prowess.
Some of the notable players who have already participated in the league include Steve Smith and Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik, Brendon McCullum, David Warner, Andre Russell, David Miller, Chris Lynn, and Thisara Perera.
Unfortunately, GT20 was unable to proceed with its third season as planned due to the unexpected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred after successful runs in 2018 and 2019. However, GT20 Canada has made a thrilling comeback after a three-year hiatus, and fans can look forward to the highly anticipated third season, which is set to commence.
Rashpal Bajwa, the president of Cricket Canada, emphatically declared their unwavering dedication to enhancing players' experience in the upcoming seasons. “Our goal is to create an exceptional event that will captivate fans and ignite a passion for sports among young people.”
Reports indicate that the Vancouver Knights have signed the highly talented Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan for their upcoming third season. This news has caught the interest of genuine cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan and its neighbouring country, India, which is renowned as one of the most dominant and enthusiastic cricket communities.
Fixtures for Season 3 of GT20 Canada
The tournament's official schedule has yet to be made available. However, it is scheduled to take place in Malaysia.
Six teams will participate in this season. Every team will consist of ten players from various countries, both full and associate nations. The roster will feature two renowned and top-tier marquee players, one Malaysian national player, three players from the Canadian national team, and three up-and-coming Canadian cricketers.
Where Can I Find the Broadcast of GT20 Canada Season 3?
Here's a guide to enjoying the excitement of matches from various parts of the globe:
- If you reside in Canada, you can enjoy live matches on CBN. They will be available for live streaming online at no cost.
- Asian cricket enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment on Hotstar. Additionally, viewers have the option to tune into the live broadcast on Star Sports.
- US residents have the chance to catch the GT20 Canada action on Hotstar USA and Free Sports. So, it's straightforward to find entertainment this summer with the ultimate drama and thriller.
Nevertheless, a television and internet subscription is required. If you have yet to find one, you can explore various television service providers in the country.
A Reflection on the Previous Two Seasons
When the ICC gave its approval for the GT20 Canada, the inaugural season began with great enthusiasm and energy. A total of 22 games took place during the season, with Vancouver Knights and Cricket West Indies B Team emerging as the finalists. In the inaugural season, Vancouver Knights emerged triumphant, defeating their opponents by seven wickets.
In 2019, another 22-match competition took place, which generated some controversy. On July 26, 2019, the game between Montreal Tigers and Winnipeg Hawks experienced a 90-minute delay due to a bomb threat. On August 7, 2019, the game between Toronto Nationals and Montreal Tigers experienced a two-hour delay due to a protest over unpaid wages.
Conclusion
This year promises to be an exhilarating one for cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as the Ashes, Asia Cup, and World Cup are set to take place consecutively. Get ready for a thrilling ride of non-stop entertainment as GT20 Canada takes centre stage.