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Cricket is taking Canadian universities, colleges by storm
The recently concluded Canadian College and University Cricket (CCUC) Toronto Cup proved to be a landmark tournament.
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Prabhjot Paul Singh - Fri, 11, Jul 2025
- 01:59 EDT
- 48
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The Champion UTSC team. / CCUC
If growing participation and the standard of the game are any indication, cricket is gaining in popularity rapidly in Canadian universities and colleges. The recently concluded Canadian College and University Cricket (CCUC) Toronto Cup proved to be a landmark tournament, featuring a fierce contest for the ultimate honors.
The tournament, which brought together top college and university teams, showcased thrilling cricket, high-calibre performances, and breakout moments from rising student-athletes, culminating in a dramatic final where the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) emerged as champions.
Hasan Mirza, president of the CCUC, said after the final: “The Toronto Cup was a massive success—not just in terms of competition, but also in community, sportsmanship, and the platform it created for student-athletes. We witnessed phenomenal cricket from players representing diverse institutions, and the energy was infectious. The CCUC Nationals will be even bigger, and we’re proud to lead the evolution of collegiate cricket in Canada.”
The UTSC beat the Brock Badgers by 11 runs in an absorbing final.
Facing off against a determined Brock University side in the final, UTSC displayed composure, depth, and all-around dominance to lift the coveted trophy. Brock earned widespread praise for its resilience, teamwork, and strong run throughout the tournament.
Batting first, the UTSC batters piled up 137 even before the stipulated 20 overs were bowled, thanks to an attacking knock of 40 from Prabhav Prakash. He got ample support from Fiad Bhuyian (17) and Priyesh Patel (10). For Brocks, Ihsanullah Hamdard (three for 25) and Harshiv Patel (2 for 15) were the most successful bowlers. Sahil Deshwal (1 for 15) and Dilraj Muhammad (1 for 25) were also among the wickets.
Chasing a target of 138, Brock Badgers went into their task meticulously as Ihsanullah Hamdard put up yet another fine performance, this time with the bat, scoring 35, while Manav Patel (16), Sahil Deshwal (12), Syed Ahmed Abdullah (23), and Ihsan Sheikh (12) chipped in with useful contributions. Their efforts, however, fell short of the target by 11 runs, as Brock Badgers batters ended at 126 for 7. Balraj Kharol (3 for 19) was the most successful UTSC bowler. Others among wickets were Kush Patel (2 for 11), Fiad Bhuyian (1 for 9), and Shankar Thiyagu (1 for 35).
The Toronto Cup also spotlighted individual excellence with standout awards:
- Best Batsman: Ahsan Sajjad (Toronto Metropolitan University)
- Best Fielder: Manav Patel (Brock University)
- Best Bowler: Sahil Deshwal (Brock University)
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Saad Rehman (UTSC)
With the Toronto Cup setting the stage, CCUC is now shifting focus to the upcoming CCUC TD National Championship, scheduled for September at King City. This flagship national tournament will welcome over 12 college and university teams from across Canada, representing institutions coast to coast.
Among the confirmed participants are Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, Ontario Tech University, Brock University, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Durham College, University of Toronto St. George (UTSG), University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), and Ontario Tech University. The Nationals are expected to become the biggest and most competitive intercollegiate cricket tournament in Canadian history with this expanded lineup.
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