TMU Men's Cricket Team: Preparing the Winners

When Obaid Ullah first arrived at Toronto Metropolitan University in 2013, he brought with him a deep love for cricket—a sport that was almost invisible on Canadian campuses at the time.

Founding the Club

When Obaid Ullah entered Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), then known as Ryerson University, as a 19-year-old mechanical engineering student in 2013, he brought with him more than just academic ambition—he brought a passion for cricket that had shaped his youth. Cricket wasn’t prominent on Canadian university campuses, and TMU was no exception. But Ullah noticed fellow students scattered across campus who shared his passion for the game and longed for a chance to play in a more organised setting.

Reflecting on those early days, Ullah recalled seeing people casually playing here and there but without any formal structure. Inspired by a vision to bring these enthusiasts together, he initiated what would eventually grow into a cricket community at TMU. This idea led to the formation of the TMU cricket club, an organisation that would later achieve remarkable success.

On September 26, 2024, the TMU men’s cricket team celebrated a landmark achievement: winning the TD Men’s National Championship hosted by Canadian College University Cricket (CCUC). Their victory over Algonquin College was a testament to the unity and determination of the team, as they posted an impressive 192 runs in 20 overs and bowled out their rivals for only 85 runs. This victory was another chapter in a story that had been building for years.

Championship Journey

TMU’s journey to this point wasn’t straightforward. Though the team claimed a national title in 2018, the pandemic interrupted their momentum, forcing them to rebuild from scratch. Now coach and supervisor of the TMU cricket club, Ullah began by registering the group as an official club in 2014, enabling them to compete across Canada and the United States. Over time, the club evolved into a competitive yet open space where students could connect over a shared love for the sport. Each week, drop-in sessions in the Kerr Hall Upper Gym offered a relaxed setting where students could hone their skills and bond over cricket.

Ullah explained that while many students at TMU didn’t pursue cricket as a professional path, they found community and belonging within the club. He noted that cricket became a way for students from diverse backgrounds to connect, especially in a country where the sport isn’t mainstream.

Captain Ahsan Sajjad, a fourth-year accounting and finance student, shared his perspective on the team’s journey. He observed that cricket’s popularity in Toronto and surrounding areas was rising rapidly, with city officials recogniыing it as one of the fastest-growing sports. Sajjad voiced the team’s commitment to representing TMU and making a positive impact in the community.

Initially taking on his role in 2022 as a short-term commitment, Ullah soon realised the significance of his involvement. In the same year, with a limited timeframe to prepare, he managed to rally a team to compete in the national championships. Although they narrowly missed victory, the experience fostered a strong camaraderie among the players. Ullah noted that younger players from competitive leagues were increasingly drawn to TMU, bringing a higher level of talent to the team.

Several students even chose TMU specifically for its cricket opportunities. Among them, Angad Bhatia, recognised by CCUC as the best player of this year’s tournament, transferred from Western University in 2022. Graduating this year, Bhatia has represented the club while playing in American minor leagues. International students such as Richard Perkins from Barbados and Mushfique Ahmed from Bangladesh also found a sense of familiarity through cricket at TMU.

Ullah believes that promoting cricket at Canadian universities helps international students feel connected. He highlighted the need for more administrative support to nurture the sport, suggesting that appointing a dedicated part-time coach or program coordinator could further develop TMU’s cricket program. Despite limited funding, the team has managed with contributions from both the university and their own resources, covering expenses for equipment, travel, and tournament fees.

Future of Cricket

 Reflecting on their hard-earned triumph, Sajjad highlighted, “It takes three years of losses to build a championship team”. Recalling the previous losses and close calls, he acknowledged that setbacks fueled their motivation. His teammate, Hrishik Mehta, shared a personal victory, catching two crucial balls in the final, redeeming himself after similar catches were missed the previous season. Both players embraced Ullah’s philosophy: mental strength and teamwork are the cornerstones of success.

Financial constraints remain a challenge, as confirmed by TMU’s athletics department. Ryan Danziger, TMU’s competitive clubs coordinator, indicated that cricket, classified as a competitive club, primarily relies on player fees, fundraising, and grants to operate. Although Danziger expressed openness to future collaboration, he noted that cricket doesn’t receive the same support as sports with established competitive leagues.

Despite these challenges, the team remains hopeful and committed. For graduating players, the recent national championship was a memorable farewell, while new recruits continue to train and carry on the club’s legacy. Ullah expressed pride in the growth of the sport on campus and in the wider community. He believes that creating a social connection around cricket is the missing piece to expanding its presence and impact within Canadian universities.