A global cricket competition taking place in the Greater Toronto Area is not only attracting a staggering television viewership of 150 million individuals across the globe but it is also projected to inject a substantial sum of money into the local economy this year, according to the event's organisers.
Organisers predict that the Global T20 Canada tournament, which will be held in Brampton from July 20 to Aug. 6, will attract a large number of enthusiastic fans as cricket continues to gain popularity in Canada.
The competition commenced in 2018 but unfortunately had to cease operations following its second season as a result of the global health crisis. Now, the tournament has managed to draw in renowned international cricket players to compete on the six Canadian teams.
Harsh Thaker, who represents Canada on the international stage but is currently playing for the Vancouver Knights in the tournament, expresses his admiration for the opportunity to compete alongside players he profoundly respects, such as Rassie van der Dussen. He describes the experience as truly remarkable and unforgettable.
"There is so much knowledge to be gained from these global icons," Thaker expressed.
Several prominent figures have also made their mark on the field, such as Harbhajan Singh, Chris Gayle, and Shahid Afridi, whom the cricket enthusiasts in Brampton highly respect.
"The cricket tournament that attracts cricket icons and legends to Canada is truly remarkable, and I believe it is a wonderful contribution to Canadian cricket. However, it holds a unique significance to have it take place in Brampton," expressed Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
Canadian Cricketers ‘Playing With Their Heroes'
Brown emphasises that GT20 brings attention to cricket during a period when there is a scarcity of facilities in Brampton to meet the overwhelming increase in demand for the sport. Numerous local cricket teams are currently on waitlists to participate. According to him, Brampton consistently introduces new fields on an annual basis, yet needs to match the city's unwavering commitment to the sport.
According to Jason Harper, the tournament's director, attracting international cricketers to Canada is a breeze thanks to the enthusiastic fan base in Brampton.
According to him, although the tournament's hosting costs around $12 million and provides employment opportunities for numerous locals, its true impact is felt on the Canadian cricket field.
"Approximately 40 Canadian players are participating, having the opportunity to play alongside their idols, the individuals who have served as a source of inspiration for them from various parts of the globe," Harper stated.
According to Harper, this has a significant impact on the growth of Canadian cricket and inspires the upcoming generation of aspiring cricket players in Brampton.
"They have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of their loved ones on a global stage," Harper explains.
Excited by the prospect of witnessing Indian cricketer Singh in Brampton, local fan Dawn Sharma eagerly plans to bring her son along this Friday to catch a glimpse of the renowned player in action.
"I'm optimistic that he will continue to enhance his understanding of the game," Sharma expressed.
Jinkle Mehta, a services coordinator at Hanson College who accompanied her students to the Brampton stadium for the day, expressed her awe at the stadium's incredible atmosphere.
"It's truly wonderful to witness this in our beloved hometown," she remarked.
According to Rup Magon, a passionate cricket fan and member of the Canadian bhangra band JoSH, cricket enjoys immense popularity in South Asia.
The author draws a parallel between the electric atmosphere of a Pakistan-India cricket match and the palpable anticipation that gripped the nation prior to Canada's game-winning goal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Magon expresses his enthusiasm for individuals from Pakistan, India, and other South Asian nations who are immigrating to Canada and can continue to partake in the sport as it gains popularity.
According to him, it also contributes to the economic well-being of local communities.
"It's important to keep in mind that it fosters increased trade. It creates cricket shops, offering a wide range of bats and gloves. Our indoor soccer pitches have been transformed into indoor cricket pitches."
The ‘Capital of Cricket’ in North America Is Brampton
Harper is eagerly anticipating the future of the GT20 tournament and the positive impact it will have on Brampton, as it is the second-most-watched sport globally after soccer.
"It appears to be a captivating event that spans over two and a half weeks, but its impact on the City of Brampton and Ontario extends far beyond that, both in terms of finances and other aspects," expressed Harper, expressing his desire to reintroduce it in 2024.
Brown shares the same viewpoint, mainly because Brampton is actively working towards creating a versatile cricket facility within the city that can be utilised throughout the year.
The city initiated an expression of interest procedure for companies intrigued by the opportunity to revamp City Lands, a location near Highways 410 and 407, following the conclusion of a public survey on Feb. 28.
"Perhaps in the future, Canada could have the honour of hosting the prestigious Cricket World Cup," expressed Brown.
Rod Power, the city councillor representing Wards 7 and 8 in Brampton, believes that the notion is not implausible, considering the significant economic benefits that would arise from attracting visitors from various locations to the tournament.
"It's enormous — we have individuals arriving from various corners of the globe," Power stated, "What's even more significant is that it's fostering a sense of unity within the community."
Our goal is to establish Brampton as the premier destination for cricket in North America.