ICC gives green signal to Global T20 Canada

In a much welcoming development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted official status to the Global T20 Canada. The league will be the first of its kind franchise-based Twenty20 tournament, to be held in the North American country. The Global T20 Canada has been slated kick-off in July with three venues being earmarked in Toronto. The venues are the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club, Sunnybrook Park and Maple Leaf Cricket Club.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also seen promoting the league during his ongoing India visit. He was present at a promotional event at a school in Delhi where he was spotted trying his hand at the sport.  He also signed a bat wishing Global T20 Canada all the luck from the sidelines.

The mega-event is conceptualised, designed, developed and managed by the Mercuri Group in collaboration with Cricket Canada, the official governing body for the game in the country. The 25-year agreement between the cricket board and the Mercuri Group covers not just the Global T20 Canada but also ensures a deal for investing in the development of the grassroots in the country.

Objectives of the tournament

The tournament aims at enriching the sport in the country with an aim to unearth potential talents. Thus, the agreement includes the development of a national high-performance centre, setting up of regional performance centres, and investment in youth cricket and development tours around the world. Constructing a world class cricket stadium in Toronto and support for the development of a Canada team that can qualify for the 2023 World Cup is also a part of the agreement.

Tournament details

A Cricket Advisory Board comprising former players will be formed for the tournament. The Global T20 Canada will involve six franchises drawn on geographical lines, with the possibility to include two-three more teams in the coming years.

Each squad will feature a mandatory four local Canadians, with the rest being international players.