SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Cricket was once so popular in Canada that the first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, declared it Canada’s National Sport. Although its popularity has reduced over the years and is no longer as popular as it once was in most parts of North America, it still thrives in cities like Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Estevan, and Yorkton.

Cricket in Saskatoon has continued to thrive; several cricket clubs are still in existence, competing against each other as well as other towns within the province of Saskatchewan. One of such cricket clubs is the Saskatoon Warriors.

Saskatoon Warriors, originally named Saskatoon Cricket Club, was founded by Ifetekhar Kalyar. It is among the first cricket clubs established in the Saskatchewan province and was renamed in 2012 when there was an increase in the number of cricket teams based in the province.

The cricket team is proud and highly competitive. The team is the only recipient of the John Ross Western Canada Club Championship in the entire Saskatchewan province. Despite winning so many championships before, they are still pushing to win more.

In 2017, the No. 1 cricket club in Saskatoon earned their third provincial title after beating Saskatoon Stars at the Provincial ODP Division and the Saskatoon T20 Finals. That cricket season will remain ever-fresh in the club’s record as the team was named the Provincial ODP Champions as well as the Saskatoon T20 Champions.

In September 2021, the Saskatoon Warriors were named ODP champions and the T20 Provincial champions. It was their first T20 Provincial title in 10 years and their 4th consecutive ODP trophy. They beat the Royals in an easy victory. 

Prior to the provincial ODP finals, the Warriors battled the Saskatoon Saltaans at the city ODP finals. The Warriors won by 41 runs with 258/10 (40.0 overs), while the Sultaans finished with 217/10 (37.3 overs). Warriors like Batsman Gagandeep Singh and Bowlers Gaurav Shah and Harpartap Sandhu topped the list of best performers at the city ODP finals.

To become the champs of the Saskatchewan One Day Provincial 2021 title, the Warriors began the game against Regina Eagles Cricket Club by setting a massive target of 302 runs. Pratik Shah took the last two wickets in the 35th over, where he earned a hat-trick. Meanwhile, Upkar Singh Pandher and Mian Jabir Hassan hit 77(34) and 57(30), respectively, to help the Warriors become the T20 provincial champs.

The Warriors cricket club has produced many professional cricket players over the years, some of whom have represented Saskatchewan at provincial competitions.

Saskatoon Warriors president, Mr. Derreck Kolla, has been an immense support system and helps to keep the Warriors on track. In a recent Facebook post, he was acknowledged “for his constant support, helping the team management make tough decisions, being active all throughout.”

Meanwhile, the Saskatoon Warriors Cricket Club is a fun club to be in. Apart from playing cricket, club members also play table tennis, have dinners together, and learn exciting things as a group.

The Saskatoon Warriors Cricket Club arms are wide open to receive talented and spirited cricketers into the club. They play all year round, with their outdoor cricket season beginning in May and running till mid-September. In the winter, the Warriors play cricket at an indoor cricket facility. 

The team has enough bats, pads, gloves, helmets, and other cricket gear for new members. All you need is to get an abdominal guard. So, if you desire to improve your game and have some fun, the Saskatoon Warriors is the best place to be.

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