Ottawa — Cricket Canada has officially pulled back the curtain on its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Set to be held across India and Sri Lanka starting this February, the tournament marks a significant chapter for the North American nation. After a spirited showing in their 2024 debut, where they secured a historic victory over Ireland, the Canadians are returning to the world stage with a blend of seasoned experience and explosive new talent.
A Leadership Shift and Squad Composition
In a notable transition for the national side, Dilpreet Bajwa has been appointed as the captain to lead the charge in the subcontinent. Bajwa, a cornerstone of the batting lineup, takes over the reins with the objective of navigating a highly competitive group stage. The squad reflects a strategic selection by the team management, retaining a core of veteran performers while integrating standout players from the regional qualifiers.
The finalized 15-man roster includes: Dilpreet Bajwa (Captain), Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jaskarandeep Buttar, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Shreyas Movva, and Yuvraj Samra.
Saad Bin Zafar, who captained the side during the 2024 campaign, remains a vital component of the squad. His all-round capabilities and deep tactical knowledge are expected to provide the stability needed in high-pressure World Cup fixtures.
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Dominant Qualification Journey
Canada’s path to the 2026 tournament was defined by absolute dominance. They secured their spot by finishing at the top of the table in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final held in June 2025. The team went undefeated throughout the qualifier, winning all six of their matches.
The qualification campaign was capped off with a clinical performance in the final against Bermuda. After restricting their opponents, Canada chased down a target of 132 runs in just 15.4 overs to win by six wickets. This unbeaten run has instilled a sense of clinical confidence in the camp as they prepare to face the world’s elite.
Key Performers and Tactical Strengths
Statistical leaders from the qualifiers are expected to be the engine room of Canada’s campaign. On the bowling front, the duo of Shivam Sharma and Kaleem Sana emerged as the primary threats. Sharma’s off-spin was nearly unplayable during the regional finals, where he claimed 11 wickets at a staggering average of 7.81. Complementing him is the left-arm pace of Kaleem Sana, who took 10 wickets with a disciplined economy rate of 7.50. Their ability to strike early and contain runs in the middle overs will be crucial on the spin-friendly tracks of India and Sri Lanka.
The batting unit features the attacking Nicholas Kirton, who was a standout performer in the previous World Cup edition. Kirton will be supported by Yuvraj Samra, a player known for his aggressive approach and a formidable strike rate of 160.72. This combination of anchor-style batting and raw power hitting gives Canada the flexibility to adapt to varying match situations.
The Road Ahead: Group D Challenges
The draw has placed Canada in Group D, a section widely regarded as one of the most challenging in the 20-team tournament. They are slated to compete against South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Canada will open their campaign on February 9, 2026, against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This marquee opening fixture will be followed by high-stakes encounters against New Zealand and Afghanistan. The team identifies these matches as an opportunity to prove their growth on the international stage. With a balanced squad and the momentum of an undefeated qualification run, Canada aims to cause major upsets and secure a spot in the Super Eight stage for the first time in their history.
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