In a bold step toward establishing themselves among emerging powers in women’s cricket, Cricket Canada has announced a 15-member squad for back-to-back international tours of Uganda and Tanzania, with seasoned all-rounder Amarpal Kaur named captain.
The tours — which begin next week in Kampala before moving to Dar es Salaam — mark a pivotal phase in Canada’s campaign to gain competitive exposure and climb the ICC Women’s T20I rankings.
Speaking at the squad unveiling, Canada Women’s head coach Gus Logie described the East Africa series as “a golden opportunity to measure our progress against fast-developing cricket nations.”
“We’ve built a young, ambitious team that’s hungry to perform. Uganda and Tanzania have grown rapidly, and these matches will give our players the kind of pressure experience they need ahead of the global qualifiers,” Logie said.
The Canadian side will first face Uganda Women in a five-match T20I series at the Lugogo Cricket Oval from October 22–27, before traveling south to meet Tanzania Women in Dar es Salaam from October 30 to November 5.
Both tours are part of Canada’s broader strategy to secure more international fixtures outside the Americas, helping bridge the gap with established cricketing nations.
Since making their international debut in 2006, Canada Women have quietly built a competitive program under the ICC Americas umbrella. The team’s early dominance saw them win the ICC Americas Championship three times (2007, 2009, and 2012).
After T20I status was extended to all ICC members in 2018, Canada Women began to steadily gain international experience. Between 2019 and 2025, they’ve played 21 T20Is, winning 11 — a record that reflects both promise and growing consistency.
Their highest team total in T20Is — 134 runs — came against Argentina in 2023, a sign of their improving batting depth.
Canada’s most recent competitive appearance came at the 2025 ICC Americas Qualifier, where they finished second behind the United States after a spirited campaign.
Key performers like Krima Kapadia, Achini Perera, and Tiffany Thorpe stood out with impactful innings, while spinners Vandana Mahajan and Indomatie Goordial consistently delivered breakthroughs.
“Our goal is to play fearless but smart cricket,” captain Amarpal Kaur said ahead of departure. “We respect Uganda and Tanzania — they’re tough, skilled teams — but we’re here to test ourselves and learn from every game.”
The 15-player squad reflects a balance between experience and youth. Regulars such as Kaur, Thorpe, and Raha provide leadership stability, while fresh faces like Mannat Hundal and Rabbjyot Rajput bring energy and new dimensions to the batting order.
Selectors have emphasized building bench strength and match exposure as part of the long-term goal to qualify for ICC global tournaments.
“We’ve invested heavily in youth development at the domestic level,” said Heather Singh, Chair of Cricket Canada’s Women’s Committee. “This tour is about giving those players a platform to shine.”
Amarpal Kaur (C), Krima Kapadia, Achini Perera, Tiffany Thorpe, Habeeba Bader, Zeel Patel, Srishti Raha, Jasmina Oldham, Terisha Lavia, Vritti Dahiya, Vandana Mahajan, Kainat Qazi, Indomatie Goordial, Mannat Hundal, Rabbjyot Rajput
The twin tours of Uganda and Tanzania are more than just warm-up fixtures — they represent a crucial stage in Canada’s global development pathway. Both East African nations have invested heavily in women’s cricket infrastructure, and their competitive standards continue to rise.
Uganda Women, ranked 21st in the ICC T20I standings, have been particularly strong at home, while Tanzania Women’s recent rise has made them a top-25 side with a formidable bowling attack.
For Canada, the contests will serve as both match practice and a benchmark ahead of the next ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, expected in 2026.
Uganda Women’s captain Consylate Aweko welcomed the series, calling it “a great boost for African women’s cricket.”
“Playing against Canada adds variety and exposure for our players. It’s good for the sport’s growth on both continents,” she said.
Cricket Tanzania’s development director, Neema Chambo, echoed similar sentiments: “Such bilateral tours show that women’s cricket is expanding beyond traditional regions.”
With an ambitious leadership group, renewed focus on player development, and a hunger for consistency, Canada Women’s cricket looks set for an upward trajectory.
As they take on Uganda and Tanzania, fans back home — and across East Africa — will watch closely to see how the Maple Leaf brigade handles the heat, both literal and metaphorical, of international competition.
“We’ve worked hard for this moment,” said Kaur. “Now it’s time to show the world how far Canada Women’s cricket has come.”
