Cricket Canada has appointed Monty Desai as head coach of the men’s national team amid ongoing corruption investigations, aiming to restore the team’s performance and integrity.
Cricket Canada has officially named Monty Desai as the head coach of its men’s national team. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the organization faces corruption allegations currently under investigation by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Desai, 51, previously served as Canada’s interim coach in 2019. His return follows a challenging campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where Canada was unable to secure a single victory. The ICC’s anti-corruption unit is scrutinizing a specific incident involving captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who conceded 15 runs in an over against New Zealand.
Most recently, Desai coached Nepal’s national team in 2023 and 2024, where he played a key role in helping the team retain its one-day international status. He expressed confidence in his understanding of Canadian cricket, drawing from his earlier experiences with the team.
“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 stated in a press release. “Canada has a similar opportunity, and my focus will be on building a culture that translates this potential into consistent performances on the international stage.”
Arvinder Khosa, president of Cricket Canada, emphasized that Desai’s appointment is part of a larger initiative to rebuild the program. “Our foremost priority is to restore Cricket Canada’s prominence through performance, professionalism, and a renewed and vitalized sense of purpose,” Khosa remarked in the same release.
Desai’s coaching career includes stints with the Kathmandu Gurkhas and the Afghanistan national team, where he gained valuable experience working with developing cricket nations. His diverse background is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the Canadian team as it seeks to navigate its current challenges.
As Cricket Canada embarks on this new chapter under Desai’s leadership, the organization aims to not only address the ongoing issues but also to foster a competitive spirit that can elevate the national team on the global stage.
According to India West, the focus will be on establishing a strong foundation for future success as the team looks to regain its footing in international cricket.