Cricket Canada appoints Monty Desai men's head coach

Cricket Canada appointed Monty Desai as head coach of its men's national team on May 1, 2026, seeking to stabilize the program amid an ongoing corruption investigation and a disappointing performance at the recent T20 World Cup.

The 51-year-old Indian coach returns for a second stint with the team, having served on an interim basis in 2019. Desai most recently led Nepal's national side in 2023 and 2024, guiding the associate nation to retain its One-Day International status and qualify for multiple International Cricket Council events. He also coached the Kathmandu Gurkhas in Nepal's Premier League and has prior experience with associate teams like Afghanistan, as well as India's IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.

"My previous experience in Canada has given me a clear understanding of the system's potential and the passion that exists for the game," Desai said in a statement. "Associate cricket is an important driver in the global growth of cricket today, and teams like Nepal and Afghanistan have demonstrated what belief, discipline, and fearlessness can unlock. Canada has a similar opportunity, and my focus will be on building a culture that translates this potential into...