Top News

Cricket Canada is inviting applications for a new head coach after Monty Desai has stepped down as Canada’s men’s cricket team coach, with his exit confirmed in mid-August 2026 after approximately three months in the role.

The coaching transition comes against a turbulent period for Cricket Canada at the governance level.

The ICC has suspended funding to Cricket Canada in May 206 after determining that the board had committed serious breaches of its membership obligations.

The suspension came after the ICC’s quarterly board meeting held in Ahmedabad; Cricket Canada’s Associate membership was also suspended.

Desai, who took charge of Canada’s men’s side in May 2026, is returning to a role he had previously held in 2019.

It was a difficult moment for Canadian cricket, as the team had failed to win any of their four matches at the T20 World Cup held in February and March 2026.

During his time in charge, Desai led the side through two CWC League 2 tri-series, one staged on home soil and one played in Scotland.

“A short chapter, but a meaningful one,” Desai said in a statement on social media.

“Every environment leaves you with learnings. This experience further strengthened my belief that sustainable performance is built through time, trust, preparation, strong relationships and collective ownership.

“Thank you to the players, support staff and everyone who shared this journey. Wishing Canadian cricket continued growth and success.”

“I leave with gratitude for the relationships built, the lessons learned and the opportunity to contribute.”

The Board now faces the challenge of recruiting a potential coach while also securing a new head coach in time for the October fixtures.

Monty Desai has over 20 years of coaching experience, most notably including work with United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan and Nepal.

He was with Nepal during their astounding run in Cricket World Cup League 2 as well as their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies.