Canada Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign
Canada has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place across India and Sri Lanka starting February 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Canadian cricket as they prepare for their second consecutive appearance at the prestigious tournament.
The North American side, led by captain Dilpreet Bajwa, will be looking to improve upon their debut performance in 2024, where they secured a memorable 12-run victory over Ireland. With qualification earned through a dominant run in the Americas Regional Final, Canada enters this edition with confidence and momentum.
Canada’s Path to T20 World Cup 2026
Canada’s journey to the global stage wasn’t easy. The team dominated the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final in June 2025, defeating Bermuda by six wickets. Chasing a modest target of 132 runs, Canada wrapped up the game in just 15.4 overs, showcasing their batting depth and aggressive intent.
Throughout the regional qualifiers, Canada remained unbeaten across all six matches, topping the table convincingly. This perfect record demonstrated the team’s readiness for bigger challenges ahead.
Complete Squad Breakdown
Here’s the full 15-member squad that will represent Canada:
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Dilpreet Bajwa |
| Batters | Nicholas Kirton, Yuvraj Samra, Navneet Dhaliwal, Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel |
| All-rounders | Saad Bin Zafar, Harsh Thaker, Ravinderpal Singh |
| Bowlers | Kaleem Sana, Shivam Sharma, Dilon Heyliger, Jaskarandeep Buttar, Kanwarpal Tathgur |
| Wicket-keeper | Shreyas Movva |
Key Players to Watch
Bowling Attack:
- Shivam Sharma (Off-spinner): The right-arm tweaker was lethal during the Americas qualifiers, picking up 11 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.81
- Kaleem Sana (Left-arm pacer): Complementing Sharma perfectly, Sana claimed 10 wickets at 7.5 runs per over, providing crucial breakthroughs
Batting Firepower:
- Nicholas Kirton: The attacking left-hander will be Canada’s primary weapon in the middle order
- Yuvraj Samra: Boasting a strike rate of 160.72, this southpaw brings explosive potential to the lineup
Group Stage Challenge
Canada faces a daunting task in Group D, arguably one of the toughest groups in the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule. They’ll compete against:
- South Africa (Opening match, February 9 in Ahmedabad)
- New Zealand
- Afghanistan
- United Arab Emirates
This group features two former finalists (South Africa and New Zealand) and a rapidly improving Afghanistan side, making every match crucial for Canada’s progression hopes.
What Changed Since 2024?
Canada’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign ended at the group stage with a fourth-place finish, but they managed to accumulate three points and earned respect with their spirited performances. The victory over Ireland proved that Canada could compete against established cricketing nations.
Building on that foundation, the current squad blends experience with youthful energy. The team management has retained most core players while adding fresh talent discovered during domestic tournaments.
Tournament Venues and Format
The T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with matches spread across multiple iconic venues. Canada’s opener against South Africa at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will test their mettle immediately.
The tournament format requires teams to finish in the top two of their groups to advance to the Super 8 stage. Given the competitive nature of Group D, Canada will need exceptional performances across all departments.
Tactical Advantages for Canada
Spin-Friendly Conditions: Indian pitches traditionally favor spin bowling, which could work in Canada’s advantage given Shivam Sharma’s recent form. His variations and control could trouble opposition batters unfamiliar with his bowling.
Fearless Approach: As underdogs, Canada can play with freedom and without the burden of expectations. Their aggressive batting style, led by Kirton and Samra, could unsettle even the strongest bowling attacks on their day.
Team Chemistry: The core group has played together extensively through qualifiers, developing strong partnerships and understanding each other’s games intimately.
Historical Context
Canada’s cricket history at ICC events has been limited but improving. Their T20 World Cup debut in 2024 marked a turning point for cricket development in the country. This second appearance demonstrates sustained progress rather than a one-off qualification.
The sport has been growing steadily in Canada, particularly among South Asian communities, creating a deeper talent pool for selectors to choose from.
Match Schedule Highlights
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 9, 2026 | South Africa | Ahmedabad |
| TBC | New Zealand | TBC |
| TBC | Afghanistan | TBC |
| TBC | UAE | TBC |
Complete fixture details available on official tournament schedules
Expert Predictions
Cricket analysts have given Canada an outside chance of causing upsets in the group. While progression remains challenging, individual performances from Sana, Sharma, and Kirton could steal headlines.
Former players have praised Canada’s balanced squad selection, noting the blend of batting aggression and bowling variety as key strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Canada play their first match in T20 World Cup 2026? Canada opens their campaign against South Africa on February 9, 2026, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Who is captaining Canada in the T20 World Cup 2026? Dilpreet Bajwa has been named captain for Canada’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
How did Canada qualify for T20 World Cup 2026? Canada qualified by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final, remaining unbeaten across all six qualifier matches.
Which group is Canada placed in for T20 World Cup 2026? Canada is in Group D alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Who are Canada’s key players for T20 World Cup 2026? Bowlers Shivam Sharma and Kaleem Sana, along with batters Nicholas Kirton and Yuvraj Samra, are expected to play crucial roles.
Has Canada participated in T20 World Cup before? Yes, Canada made their T20 World Cup debut in 2024, where they defeated Ireland and finished fourth in their group.
Canada’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey promises excitement, underdogs spirit, and potential upsets. With a well-balanced squad and nothing to lose, they could surprise cricket fans worldwide. Follow their campaign for compelling cricket action starting February 9.
