Canada will look to improve on their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup appearance in 2024 as they prepare for the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka.
In their first outing, Canada finished fourth in their group but managed three points, including a 12-run victory over Ireland, showing glimpses of their potential on the global stage.
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Two Pakistan-born players, Kaleem Sana and Saad Bin Zafar, are set to play pivotal roles in Canada’s campaign.
Kaleem Sana, a left-arm medium-fast bowler, made his first-class debut for Pakistan Customs in 2009, taking three wickets in two matches.
He has also played for Pakistan Under-19s.
Since moving to Canada, he has been an impactful performer, particularly during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final, where he picked up 10 wickets at an average of 7.5.
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Kaleem’s pace and ability to generate bounce make him Canada’s X-factor with the ball.
Saad Bin Zafar, a slow left-arm spinner and left-handed batter, has been a stalwart for Canada.
The Punjab-born all-rounder became Canada’s first T20 World Cup captain in 2024 and has been an integral part of the team across formats since making his first-class debut in 2008.
Saad also has experience in the Caribbean Premier League, representing St Lucia Zouks, and once made history by conceding no runs in a four-over spell during a T20I against Panama.
Alongside Kaleem and Saad, Canada will rely on a mix of experienced performers and young talent.
Nicholas Kirton, a hard-hitting middle-order batter, impressed in the 2024 World Cup with a quick 49 off 35 balls against Ireland, while Yuvraj Samra brings explosive batting at a strike rate of 160.72.
Shivam Sharma’s off-spin, which took 11 wickets at 7.81 in the Americas Regional Qualifier, will also be crucial.
The Canadians face a tough challenge in a competitive group that includes South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the UAE.
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They open their campaign against South Africa in Ahmedabad on 9 February 2026, with hopes that Pakistan-origin stars Kaleem Sana and Saad Bin Zafar can lead the team to memorable victories.
Canada’s squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Dilpreet Bajwa (c), 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, Yuvraj Samra.
