Monty Desai steps down as Canada coach amid corruption scandal
India Today · India Today Sports Desk · 2026-08-20T17:38:09+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Monty Desai steps down as Canada coach amid corruption scandal
Monty Desai has left as interim head coach of Canada after three months in charge. His exit comes with Canada cricket under ICC scrutiny and still chasing World Cup qualification.
Monty Desai has left his position as head coach of the Canada men's team after three months in charge. His departure comes as Canadian cricket continues to deal with the fallout from the T20 World Cup and a wider dispute with the ICC.
Desai took over as interim head coach in May, shortly after Canada's difficult T20 World Cup campaign, and oversaw two Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series. Cricket Canada has now opened applications for his replacement, with candidates able to apply until August 28.
"A short chapter, but a meaningful one," Desai wrote on Instagram. "Grateful to Cricket Canada for the opportunity to serve as Interim Head Coach over the past three months."
"Every environment leaves you with learnings. This experience further strengthened my belief that sustainable performance is built through time, trust, preparation, strong relationships and collective ownership."
DESAI EXITS TURBULENT SET-UP
This was Desai's second stint with Canada after first working with the team in 2019. His return came after Canada lost all four of their matches at the T20 World Cup, with the team's campaign subsequently becoming the subject of an ICC Anti-Corruption Unit investigation.
The investigation centred on allegations surrounding Canada's match against New Zealand, while separate concerns emerged around governance and Cricket Canada's compliance with ICC membership obligations.
The ICC suspended funding to Cricket Canada in May and later suspended its Associate membership. The board remains suspended and has been given conditions to meet before reinstatement.
On the field, Canada are sixth in the CWC League 2 standings with four matches remaining. The top four sides will advance to next year's ODI World Cup Qualifier, with Canada's next fixtures coming against Oman and Nepal in Oman from October 9.
Desai leaves after a short second spell with Canada, with the team still chasing qualification and the board dealing with an unresolved governance crisis. Cricket Canada must now find a new coach while trying to bring some stability back to its cricketing set-up.