Although cricket has never been widely popular in Canada, its popularity is increasing in the modern era. Despite losing their Twenty20 and One Day International status in 2015, the sport continues to gain popularity nationwide. Since April 2018, the International Cricket Council (ICC) made the decision to award full Twenty20 International (T20I) status to all its member countries. As a result, any Twenty20 matches played between Canada and other ICC members since January 1, 2019, have been recognised as T20Is. In addition, Canada regained its One Day International (ODI) status by finishing ahead of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off. This achievement allows Canada to participate in the 2023-2027 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2.
Canada has had some exceptional players in its cricket history, and promising talents are emerging in the youth squad.
John Davison
A skilled batsman and spinner, he has been a vital part of the Canadian national cricket team for nearly ten years. Although he was born in British Colombia, he moved to Australia as a child and honed his cricketing skills by playing grade cricket in Melbourne and attending the Australian Cricket Academy in 1993. While he was a member of the Victoria state squad for several years, he struggled to secure a consistent place in the first team. Consequently, he joined South Australia in the 2002-03 season after being released by Victoria.
In 1999, he received an offer to spend his off-season in Canada as a player-coach, and it wasn't long before he was selected to represent the Canadian national team. He played a crucial role in Canada's third-place finishes in the 2001 and 2005 ICC Trophies. However, it was during the 2003 World Cup that he made headlines by delivering the fastest century in World Cup history, stunning the West Indies with a brilliant knock of 111, which included six powerful sixes. He continued his impressive form by scoring the third-fastest fifty in a World Cup match against New Zealand, finishing the tournament as Canada's top run-scorer and wicket-taker.
In 2004, he was appointed as the captain of the Canadian cricket team. The following year, in their first first-class match in over fifty years, he made history by taking 17 wickets for 137 runs and scoring 84 runs against the USA in the Intercontinental Cup, achieving the best figures since Jim Laker in 1956. After playing his final game for South Australia in 2004-05, he dedicated his efforts solely to Canada. His exceptional talent was evident once again during the 2007 World Cup when he played a blistering innings of 52 runs off just 31 balls against New Zealand, highlighting his exceptional skills.
Ashish Bagai
Ashish Bagai, a neat and agile wicketkeeper, has excelled in his batting skills. His composed approach at the crease and ability to find gaps in the field have made him a highly effective player across all formats of the game. Bagai's cricket journey started at a young age, representing Canada's Under-19 team at the age of 15 and eventually becoming their captain. He made his debut for the senior team when he was just 17 in the 1999-2000 season. In 2001, he played a crucial role in Canada's third-place finish in the ICC Trophy, which secured their spot in the 2003 World Cup.
While Bagai's performance with the gloves remained consistent, he experienced a personal disappointment with the bat during the World Cup. However, he steadily improved and made solid contributions as a batsman. His breakthrough came in the World Cricket League in Nairobi in early 2007 when he scored an unbeaten 137 runs against Scotland, marking his first century in senior cricket. Just four days later, he scored another century against Ireland. With a total of 345 runs at an impressive average of 86.25, Bagai emerged as the leading run-scorer of the tournament and was honoured as the Player of the Tournament. He was subsequently appointed captain for Canada's Intercontinental Cup Final against Ireland in May.
Bagai's consistent performances led to his nomination for the inaugural ICC Associate ODI Player of the Year award in 2007. However, his career faced a setback when he decided to take a job in the UK later that year, making him unavailable for international matches. Nevertheless, whenever he did play, Bagai maintained good form and established himself as a dependable batsman. He was reappointed as captain in 2009 and ultimately chose to leave his successful banking career in the City of London to pursue a full-time professional contract with the cricket board.
Considered by many as the greatest player in Canada's cricket history, Ashish Bagai was an exceptional batsman. He holds the records for the most runs and highest average in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 matches for Canada. In ODIs, Bagai amassed an impressive total of 1,964 runs, nearly 1,000 runs more than any other player, with an average of 37.76. These statistics are remarkable considering Canada's relatively low ranking in international cricket. In the T20 format, Bagai maintained an average of 40.57 and scored a total of 284 runs, further showcasing his remarkable abilities as a batsman.
Rizwan Cheema
A powerful batsman who also possesses useful medium-pace bowling skills, he gained attention when he scored 89 runs off 61 balls against West Indies in his second One Day International (ODI) match. During the Canada T20 tournament in October 2008, he hit an impressive ten sixes, surpassing the records of renowned players such as Sanath Jayasuriya and Shahid Afridi. Cheema emerged as his team's leading run-scorer in the series, maintaining an average of over 60. Although originally from Pakistan, Cheema relocated to Canada in the early 2000s. Despite having only played cricket at the club level, his ability to strike the ball out of the ground attracted attention in the Toronto and District Cricket Association league.
Cheema had a notable season in 2005, accumulating 627 runs in 14 matches at an average of just under 50, and also taking 24 wickets at an impressive average of 13.12. After a disappointing performance in 2006, he established himself as the league's most dangerous batsman the following year by scoring two big centuries. He made his international debut during the summer of 2008, delivering impressive performances and narrowly missing out on scoring his first ODI hundred against the Netherlands in July 2009. In the same month, Cheema was among the six players who received central contracts as Cricket Canada aimed to professionalise its structures. Additionally, he was appointed as the captain of the national team for the ICC America's Division One Championship in Bermuda, filling the absence of Ashish Bagai.
George Anthony Barber
George Anthony Barber played a crucial role in introducing the sport to Canada. Although he may not have achieved the same level of skill as other renowned Canadian cricket legends, his contribution cannot be ignored.
After arriving in Canada from England at the age of 24, he became known as the Father of Canadian Cricket and played a vital role in popularising the game outside of military circles in the 1820s. In 1832, he played a part in the formation of the Toronto Cricket Club. This club served as a foundation for the development of cricket in Canada, and for many years, its ground was the sole Canadian venue authorised for One Day International matches until 2006.
George also participated in matches for Upper Canada College, where he worked as a master until a scandal led to his dismissal. During his time at Upper Canada College, he established a public auditing business, which he continued throughout his life. From 1840 onward, he served as the auditor for the city of Toronto. In 1841, he took on the role of editor for the Toronto Commercial Herald (later known as the Toronto Herald and Herald), eventually becoming its owner until it ceased publication in June 1848. Additionally, in 1844, Barber became the first superintendent of public schools in Toronto. Despite losing the thumb on his right hand, he displayed a strong passion for cricket and demonstrated his skills as a player. He participated in the 1840 match between Toronto and St. George's Club, as well as the 1844 international match between Canada and the USA. Remarkably, he continued to play club cricket well into his sixties. Barber's significance lies not in his playing abilities but in his pioneering efforts, which have enabled present-day Canadian cricket stars to represent their country.