Latest news with #CricketCanada
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
TD Invests in the Growth of Cricket with New Grassroots Programs Across Canada
Article content Article content TORONTO — Cricket continues to gain momentum in Canada—from grassroots fields to the international stage—and this summer, TD is proud to celebrate the sport's growth with community-focused programs and events, developed in collaboration with Boundaries North and Cricket Canada, to inspire the next generation of players. The summer kicks off with the Toronto Blue Jays TM hosting Cricket Day at the Park presented by TD on Saturday, May 31 at Rogers Centre. As part of TD's sponsorship with the Blue Jays™, the event invites baseball fans to explore the connections between cricket and baseball while celebrating Canada's growing cricket culture. Article content Following Cricket Day at the Park, TD will officially launch TD Young Wickets. The national program offers free, in-person sessions in select communities across Canada, introducing young players to cricket through fun, inclusive, and skills-based instruction. Article content 'It is an honour to work alongside Cricket Canada to help bring cricket to more communities across Canada,' said Michael Armstrong, Vice President, North American Brand and Corporate Sponsorship. 'The Blue Jays Cricket Day at the Park and the TD Young Wickets are all about introducing the sport to more Canadians and we are proud to be a part of creating opportunities for young players to discover the game.' Article content In addition to the in-person clinics, TD Young Wickets will offer a series of free virtual coaching sessions, led by a team of internationally accredited coaches. These sessions will give players and coaches from coast-to-coast access to high-quality training and insights. Article content The launch of TD Young Wickets comes as Canada prepares to host the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Regional Qualifier on June 15 —a pivotal moment for the Canadian Men's National Team as they pursue a second-ever World Cup appearance. TD's summer celebration of cricket reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting sport as a platform for connection, confidence, and community. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Wire
TD Invests in the Growth of Cricket with New Grassroots Programs Across Canada
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cricket continues to gain momentum in Canada—from grassroots fields to the international stage—and this summer, TD is proud to celebrate the sport's growth with community-focused programs and events, developed in collaboration with Boundaries North and Cricket Canada, to inspire the next generation of players. 'The Blue Jays Cricket Day at the Park and the TD Young Wickets are all about introducing the sport to more Canadians and we are proud to be a part of creating opportunities for young players to discover the game.' The summer kicks off with the Toronto Blue Jays TM hosting Cricket Day at the Park presented by TD on Saturday, May 31 at Rogers Centre. As part of TD's sponsorship with the Blue Jays™, the event invites baseball fans to explore the connections between cricket and baseball while celebrating Canada's growing cricket culture. Following Cricket Day at the Park, TD will officially launch TD Young Wickets. The national program offers free, in-person sessions in select communities across Canada, introducing young players to cricket through fun, inclusive, and skills-based instruction. "It is an honour to work alongside Cricket Canada to help bring cricket to more communities across Canada,' said Michael Armstrong, Vice President, North American Brand and Corporate Sponsorship. 'The Blue Jays Cricket Day at the Park and the TD Young Wickets are all about introducing the sport to more Canadians and we are proud to be a part of creating opportunities for young players to discover the game.' In addition to the in-person clinics, TD Young Wickets will offer a series of free virtual coaching sessions, led by a team of internationally accredited coaches. These sessions will give players and coaches from coast-to-coast access to high-quality training and insights. The launch of TD Young Wickets comes as Canada prepares to host the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Regional Qualifier on June 15 —a pivotal moment for the Canadian Men's National Team as they pursue a second-ever World Cup appearance. TD's summer celebration of cricket reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting sport as a platform for connection, confidence, and community. Boundaries North is dedicated to promoting and supporting the growth of cricket in Canada, aiming to make it a leading sport that unites communities and inspires the next generation of players and fans. Through innovative partnerships, events, and grassroots programs, Boundaries North is working to make cricket accessible and exciting for all Canadians.
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Canadian cricket already benefiting from boost of impending Olympic return
Amid the excitement of flag football coming to the Olympics, another sport will also join the Los Angeles 2028 program. For the first time since 1900, cricket — in the forms of men's and women's T20 tournaments — will be contested in California. And Canadian women's national team player Achini Perera is hoping to be part of the action. "I remember in 2010, when Sidney Crosby [scored] in overtime, I was sitting there with my family and watching it — like that stage is insane. I almost wondered as a kid, like, 'Oh, why isn't cricket in there?'" Perera said. Now, of course, it is — not only in Los Angeles, but also in Brisbane 2032. However, Perera and Canada's women's team face an uphill climb to qualifying as the 31st-ranked squad for a tournament that will feature just six teams per gender. Still, the goal for Perera and Cricket Canada is for the sport's reintroduction to the Olympics to light a fuse that brings the game to more people across the country and eventually leads to greater success at the elite level. The process continues Saturday, when the first-ever Cricket to Conquer Cancer fundraiser will take place at Celebration Square in Mississauga, Ont. Meanwhile, in downtown Toronto, the Blue Jays partnered with Cricket Canada on a warm-up jacket giveaway for their game that day. "It won't be the sole thing that puts cricket on the map in Canada, but it's a very good starting point. And it isn't speaking only to the already growing ethnic population, it's also speaking to Canadians who will be loving the Blue Jays, who will be loving the Raptors and saying, well, hello, there's another sport here," said Carlos Brathwaite, the former captain of the West Indies men's T20 team. "It's the second biggest sport in the world. Come hold a bat, come hold a ball, try your luck at this. And if you can convert 10 per cent of the people who didn't know about cricket before the event and have them showing any interest, I think that'd be a win." Brathwaite and Perera will be joined by celebrities like Dwayne De Rosario, Jamaal Magloire and Jully Black at the fundraiser for cancer research hosted by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. It's a cause close to Brathwaite's heart. The Barbadian's mom survived breast cancer, which was his impetus for getting involved. CAA Centre in Brampton, Ont. to stage new Canada Super 60 cricket league in July Through the planning process, which began with a media launch last May, he connected with fellow cricketer Kenroy Williams, who had survived his own bout with breast cancer. However, Williams' cancer returned last year and he died at 40 in November. Along with Brathwaite, Williams' uncle and other Barbadian cricketers will be present at the event in Mississauga. "Hopefully an emotional day is the start of a long-standing relationship between the people of Barbados and the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. And if Kenroy and his interest in participating in the event could be catalyst to that, then that would make me a very happy man," Brathwaite said. Brathwaite said he had one stipulation for joining the event as an ambassador a year ago — he refused to let the fundraiser become a "pity party." Which means that while the cause will be front and centre, the display of cricket will also be crucial. A cricket resurgence He noted that the first-ever cricket match in 1844 was contested between Canada and the U.S. "So there is a history there and there is kind of a modern renaissance, a resurgence of the sport. I think what Cricket to Conquer Cancer can do is kind of bridge that gap between who knows about it and who doesn't," Brathwaite said. Perera, 24, has known about the sport for her entire life. From a young age, she would follow her older brother to games, wearing the standard all-white uniform just in case she got the call. Then one day, when she was six, Perera's brother's team was down a player. Perera turned that one match into regular appearances, and even wore her brother's oversized equipment until she got her own gear — including an age- and weight-appropriate bat — when she was 10. "I was like, wow, there's such a huge difference," she said. When Perera was 12, she was recognized by Cricket Canada coach George Codrington and invited to try out for the national team. At 19, Perera made her Team Canada debut, and she's been a fixture ever since. "Growing up with [the team] along with my brother, they were so respectful. They were always like, 'OK, Achini, come and bowl. We'll back you up and everything.' And whenever I was batting, like, 'Oh, this is what you do,'" Perera said. Now, she's hoping to give back to the cricket community. Within the national team, she's already taken up coaching and campaigned for more intermingling of the U15, U19 and senior teams so the younger athletes can learn the sport just like she did nearly two decades ago. Cricket has come a long way since her start in the sport — Perera noted the dome coming to Brampton, Ont., that will let athletes practise year-round. Through her Instagram, Perera is hoping to show young girls that top-level cricket can be a reality in Canada. "I know a lot of our youth girls are watching that. So I try to post with other youth girls, like example from USA or they're from West Indies or even Argentina. I'm always trying to encourage them as well as encouraging the Canadian girls here so they know there actually are girls my age playing abroad," she said. The "absolute dream" for Perera would be to influence a Canadian appearance at the Olympics — whether through her play or her efforts with the next generation.
National Post
20-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Canada finds itself on a sticky wicket after two losses in World Cup qualifiers
Like a new ball losing its shine after a few overs, Canada's national team finds itself in a similar position in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two. Article content Article content After that outstanding showing in the World T20 Cup last year, things have not gone as smoothly as one would expect as Cricket Canada has had to duck a barrage of bouncers. Article content Beyond the boundary lines, the parent body has been placed under investigation by the International Cricket Council for the way it conducts its business. Article content And on the field, the players find themselves under intense pressure to excel despite not being given the tools it requires because Cricket Canada keeps interfering in the coach's job. Article content CC suffers from amnesia from time to time and deliberately overrides the coach, who since last year has been relegated to a figurehead. He has to bend down to instructions from the CC blazers. Article content At the global T20 finals last year, the blazers parachuted their own players into the squad against the wishes of then-coach Pubudu Dassanayake. The result was disastrous, ending with the world-class coach getting his marching orders. Article content 'They had my hands tied down and essentially made life very hard for me,' Dassanayake recalled. Article content His contract clearly stated his pact would be extended to 2027 if the team qualified for the World Cup in 2027, which it did. But CC reneged on the deal and it was sued for wrongful dismissal. The case comes up in June, but in the meantime Dassanayake was signed to a 3.5-year contract by the United States. Article content Article content It paints a sad picture, especially since Canada parades a top-class squad that can defeat the best of the second-tiered teams on any given day. Article content Article content The problems off the field have creeped on to the field with Canada losing its first two World Cup League Two encounters in Lauderhill, Fla., in hot and steamy conditions. Article content In the opener of the three-country tourney, Canada was thrashed by a record 169 runs by the United States. Batting first, the host nation piled on 361 for just three wickets in 50 overs with Smit Patel playing a sensational knock of 152 off just 137 balls. His innings included 12 fours and four sixes and Patel received solid support from skipper Monank Patel (47) and Saiteja Mukkamalla (30). Article content Canada was favoured to top Oman in the second match, but fell short by 15 runs in an exciting finish. Article content Oman elected to bat first and finished on 217 for six, while Canada managed 202 with six balls left. The star for Canada in a losing cause was Pargat Singh, who struck 85 before losing his wicket in the 38th over.
Toronto Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Canada finds itself on a sticky wicket after two losses in World Cup qualifiers
Canada's Pargat Singh watches as his shot is caught by Ireland's Josh Little for 18 runs during an ICC Men's T20 World Cup cricket match last year. AP Photo Like a new ball losing its shine after a few overs, Canada's national team finds itself in a similar position in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account After that outstanding showing in the World T20 Cup last year, things have not gone as smoothly as one would expect as Cricket Canada has had to duck a barrage of bouncers. Beyond the boundary lines, the parent body has been placed under investigation by the International Cricket Council for the way it conducts its business. And on the field, the players find themselves under intense pressure to excel despite not being given the tools it requires because Cricket Canada keeps interfering in the coach's job. CC suffers from amnesia from time to time and deliberately overrides the coach, who since last year has been relegated to a figurehead. He has to bend down to instructions from the CC blazers. At the global T20 finals last year, the blazers parachuted their own players into the squad against the wishes of then-coach Pubudu Dassanayake. The result was disastrous, ending with the world-class coach getting his marching orders. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'They had my hands tied down and essentially made life very hard for me,' Dassanayake recalled. His contract clearly stated his pact would be extended to 2027 if the team qualified for the World Cup in 2027, which it did. But CC reneged on the deal and it was sued for wrongful dismissal. The case comes up in June, but in the meantime Dassanayake was signed to a 3.5-year contract by the United States. It paints a sad picture, especially since Canada parades a top-class squad that can defeat the best of the second-tiered teams on any given day. The problems off the field have creeped on to the field with Canada losing its first two World Cup League Two encounters in Lauderhill, Fla., in hot and steamy conditions. In the opener of the three-country tourney, Canada was thrashed by a record 169 runs by the United States. Batting first, the host nation piled on 361 for just three wickets in 50 overs with Smit Patel playing a sensational knock of 152 off just 137 balls. His innings included 12 fours and four sixes and Patel received solid support from skipper Monank Patel (47) and Saiteja Mukkamalla (30). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In reply, Canada was shot out for a meagre 192 with debutant Mansab Gill notching up an unbeaten half century. Canada was favoured to top Oman in the second match, but fell short by 15 runs in an exciting finish. Oman elected to bat first and finished on 217 for six, while Canada managed 202 with six balls left. The star for Canada in a losing cause was Pargat Singh, who struck 85 before losing his wicket in the 38th over. The humidity played havoc with Singh as he had difficulty running, otherwise Canada would likely have finished on top. 'Obviously it hurts,' Canada captain Navneet Dhaliwal said. 'We haven't batted well. For sure we have to score more runs, especially the top order. I think Pargat played really well but he needs support.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The loss dropped Canada out of the top four and that means its chances of going through to the next round of World Cup qualifiers will be a little more difficult. But it can still do so by turning the tables on the U.S. and Oman in the next couple of weeks. This league features eight teams — including Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates — with each side playing 36 one-day internationals spread across nine triangular series through December 2026. The top four teams move on to a 10-country World Cup qualifier that will send the top four teams to the 2027 World Cup. The Netherlands (12-6-0) tops the standings ahead of the U.S. and Scotland. Read More This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. TD Bank has inked a sponsorship deal for 2025 with the Canadian College and University Cricket (CCUC). This continued partnership collaboration signals a powerful commitment to building an inclusive, grassroots-driven cricket ecosystem for post-secondary students across Canada. 'We're building a post-secondary cricket system that reflects Canada's diversity, empowers student-athletes and creates real social impact through sport,' said Hassan Mirza, president of CCUC. 'With over 30 institutions already engaged and growing, the momentum behind this movement is undeniable.' KENYAN STAR DIES Mehboob Ali, an imposing player on the field, passed away in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday. Ali was in his early 90s and, although he wasn't keeping well in recent months, no mention was made how he died. The burly star opened the batting for Kenya and East Africa and was an excellent fielder in the slips. Ali will always be remembered for being the man behind the rise of Sir Ali Muslim Club that became the best club team in East Africa. He inspired several young players from the club who went on to represent Kenya. Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Toronto Maple Leafs Basketball Television Ontario Canada
