Cricket Canada has recently named Monty Desai as the new head coach of the men’s national team in an effort to provide stability amidst ongoing corruption allegations. Desai, a 51-year-old Indian, previously served as the interim head coach in 2019 and led Nepal’s national team in 2023 and 2024, helping the team maintain its one-day international status. He also managed the Kathmandu Gurkhas in the Nepal Premier League last year.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Desai emphasized his familiarity with the Canadian cricket system and the country’s passion for the sport. He highlighted the importance of associate cricket in the global cricket landscape, citing examples of teams like Nepal and Afghanistan as inspirations for unlocking potential through belief, discipline, and fearlessness. Desai’s goal is to instill a culture within the Canadian team that translates potential into consistent international performances.
The appointment of Desai comes at a challenging period for Canadian cricket, both on and off the field. The national team faced defeats in all four group matches at the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup. Additionally, Cricket Canada is under investigation by the sport’s governing body following corruption allegations raised in a recent CBC documentary. The documentary, titled “Corruption, Crime and Cricket,” focused on concerns surrounding captain Dilpreet Bajwa’s performance during a match against New Zealand at the T20 World Cup.
Bajwa, who was appointed captain just before the tournament, faced scrutiny over his fifth over against New Zealand, with allegations suggesting potential irregularities. Despite these challenges, Cricket Canada’s president, Arvinder Khosa, expressed a commitment to restoring the organization’s reputation through improved performance, professionalism, and a renewed sense of purpose. Khosa believes that Desai’s experience with associate nations like Nepal and Afghanistan showcases his ability to lead teams effectively and implement long-term plans for success.