Cricket Canada has named Monty Desai as the new head coach of the men’s national team in a strategic move to provide stability while addressing recent corruption allegations. Desai, a 51-year-old Indian, previously served as interim head coach in 2019 and has a successful coaching track record, including leading Nepal’s national team in 2023 and 2024. His experience also extends to coaching the Kathmandu Gurkhas in the Nepal Premier League last year.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Desai emphasized his understanding of Canada’s cricket potential and the passion within the system. Highlighting the significance of associate cricket in global growth, he aims to cultivate a culture that fosters consistent international performance, drawing inspiration from successful teams like Nepal and Afghanistan.
The appointment of Desai comes at a challenging time for Canadian cricket, with the national team facing setbacks on the field. During the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, Canada lost all four group stage matches. Furthermore, Cricket Canada is under investigation for corruption allegations following a documentary that raised concerns about the integrity of the sport in the country.
The documentary titled “Corruption, Crime and Cricket” specifically mentioned scrutiny over the performance of captain Dilpreet Bajwa during a match against New Zealand at the T20 World Cup. Despite the challenges, Cricket Canada’s President, Arvinder Khosa, expressed a commitment to restoring the organization’s reputation through performance excellence, professionalism, and a renewed sense of purpose. Desai’s appointment reflects this vision, with his proven leadership skills and successful transformations of Associate nations like Nepal and Afghanistan.
