Cricket Canada has named Monty Desai as the head coach of the men’s national team, bringing with him over 20 years of international coaching experience. Desai is known for his success in leading Nepal to regain ODI status and qualify for various ICC global events, emphasizing belief, structure, and competitive discipline in emerging cricket nations.
Having coached in multiple international systems, Desai has played a significant role in the success of teams like Nepal, Afghanistan, the UAE, and the West Indies. He has been instrumental in Nepal’s resurgence, aiding them in regaining ODI status and securing spots in major ICC tournaments.
Desai’s expertise extends to supporting Afghanistan during crucial qualifying phases and collaborating with IPL franchises in talent identification and athlete development. Renowned for creating disciplined, high-performance environments for emerging cricket nations, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Cricket Canada and highlighted the country’s cricket potential.
Monty Desai emphasized the importance of associate cricket in the global growth of the sport, drawing parallels with the successes of teams like Nepal and Afghanistan. He aims to foster a culture within Cricket Canada that translates the country’s potential into consistent international performances, especially following their participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and in preparation for upcoming ICC pathway competitions.
Arvinder Khosa, President of Cricket Canada, stressed the organization’s commitment to restoring its prominence through performance and professionalism. The appointment of Monty Desai aligns with this vision, given his proven track record in transforming teams through effective leadership and strategic planning, particularly with Associate nations like Nepal and Afghanistan.
Paramjit Saini, Secretary of Cricket Canada, welcomed Monty Desai, citing his successful tenure with Nepal and Afghanistan as evidence of his ability to elevate Associate nations into competitive forces. The organization looks forward to collaborating with Desai to enhance the stature of Canadian cricket on the global stage.
