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    Pandemic Opens Doors for Cricket Star Dilpreet Singh Bajwa
Pandemic Opens Doors for Cricket Star Dilpreet Singh Bajwa
Dilpreet Singh Bajwa. Source: facebook.com

Pandemic Opens Doors for Cricket Star Dilpreet Singh Bajwa

The pandemic disrupted lives globally, but for star cricketer Dilpreet Singh Bajwa, it became a turning point. The 21-year-old moved to Canada in 2020 with his parents and decided to stay when flight disruptions and COVID-19 prevented his return to India. This decision proved to be fortuitous.

Bajwa received a call from his Punjab club, which had heard about his impressive performances for the Centurions Cricket Club in B.C., and his selection for the Canadian national team. Reflecting on this, Bajwa remarked that missing the flight back to India was possibly the best thing that could have happened, believing it was destiny for him to stay in Canada. He expressed joy over finally being recognised, a recognition he had longed for in India but never received due to an outdated system.

Despite representing Gurdaspur in Punjab, which limited his chances of national recognition due to the club's minor district status, his talent was evident. His coach, Rakesh Marshal, believed Bajwa had the potential to become a national player. Realising the limited opportunities in India, Bajwa’s parents decided to move to Canada in 2020, seeking better prospects for their son.

This move has paid off. In just three years, Bajwa has made a significant impact on the local cricket scene and was selected to play for the Montreal Tigers in the professional Global T20 League. The league, which attracts top international stars, resumed after the pandemic, and Bajwa has thrived, becoming the first Canadian to score a century in the league.

In an exhilarating match against Brampton, Bajwa scored 100 runs off just 55 balls, helping Montreal post 166 for seven and eventually win by dismissing Brampton for 124. His performance, which included six sixes and 10 fours, delighted a crowd of 4,500 at the CAA Centre in Brampton. Bajwa credited his captain, Chris Lynn, for the opportunity to open the batting for the first time and expressed excitement over his century.

Lynn, a former Australian international, praised Bajwa’s performance, noting it was his day on the field. Bajwa also received congratulations from stars like Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, and Sherfane Rutherford. Russell, a former teammate, sent a supportive text, which Bajwa cherished.

Bajwa hopes this century will open new opportunities for him, aiming to play professionally in various white-ball leagues, including the Indian Premier League. He also aspires to consistently perform for the national team, drawing encouragement from skipper Saad Bin Zafar and fast bowler Dilon Heyliger.

As the GT20 league nears its conclusion, the Montreal Tigers lead the table, followed by Brampton Wolves and Bangla Tigers Mississauga, with Toronto Nationals in fourth place. The playoffs are set for Friday and Saturday, with the final on Sunday.

Additionally, the GT20 league is raising funds for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, donating $100 (Canadian) for every six hit during the tournament.

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