The GT20 cricket tournament launches in Brampton, showcasing some of the sport's top global talent and boosting the city's reputation as a cricket hub.
"Fans can expect top-notch cricket action, with world-class players competing right in their own city. It's going to be tough competition, tight matches, and a great family-friendly experience," said Karan Singh, director of Bombay Sports, the event's organiser.
Held from July 25 to August 11 at the TD Cricket Arena, this marks the fourth season of the Global GT20 Canada tournament. Singh anticipates that the event will draw tens of thousands of spectators. This year's lineup includes Australian stars David Warner and Marcus Stoinis, along with Sunil Narine from the West Indies and Colin Munro from New Zealand.
The tournament debuted in 2018 but was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, resuming last summer. While cricket enjoys global popularity, Singh noted that it is still gaining traction in North America.
Brampton, with its significant South Asian immigrant community, has become a key location for promoting the sport. Singh credits the city's support for providing a strong foundation for cricket in the region.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown highlighted the tournament's impact, noting last year's event attracted an international audience of 183 million and generated $34 million locally. He called Brampton the "cricket capital of Canada" and mentioned the city’s ambition to host a professional cricket franchise, alongside Vancouver.
"This is a thrilling time for cricket," Brown remarked. He also mentioned that Brampton recently launched a youth cricket league, coinciding with the GT20 tournament, and constructed three new fields for young players.
Singh pinpointed that the development of cricket infrastructure is crucial for the sport's growth and engagement among new generations. "It's a significant effort, but building infrastructure, facilities, and cultivating people passionate about cricket is the only way to achieve our goals," he stated.