Baseball fields make way for another Bat-and-Ball game
The rise of the Blue Jays in the American League has captured the attention of baseball fans in Toronto, but there is another sport that is gaining momentum in the city – cricket. While baseball diamonds like Parma Park in North York and Corvette Park and Littles Road Park in Scarborough have long been popular spots for baseball, they are now being reconfigured to accommodate the growing interest in cricket.
Matt Bentley, project manager for parks, forestry, and recreation in the city of Toronto, explained, “We have heard very clearly that we need more cricket fields in the city. We need better fields and more opportunities to play.” As a result, the city is converting some baseball diamonds into cricket fields and investing $7.6 million in implementing a cricket strategy over the next five years.
One such conversion is taking place at Parma Park, which will soon be home to a cricket field with one direction. The unique space requirements of a full-size cricket field, including a playing field diameter of 140-150 meters, pose a challenge in densely populated areas like Toronto. Nevertheless, the city is working to find creative solutions, including collaborating with schools to provide cricket facilities.
Neighboring Brampton, known as the ‘cricket capital of Canada,’ is also investing in upgrading its cricket facilities. The city is working with the Peel District School Board to offer new, fully lit cricket facilities at schools like Turner Fenton Secondary School. Mississauga’s Stephen Lewis Secondary School has already seen success in cricket, with the Lady Lynxes winning multiple championships.
One standout player from the Stephen Lewis Secondary School cricket program is Rameen Rashid, a 17-year-old all-rounder who has represented Ontario at the national level. Rashid, who moved to Canada from Oman in 2016, has witnessed the surge in interest in cricket firsthand. She remarked, “The growth of cricket from 2016 to 2025 has been incredible.”
As cricket continues to thrive in Toronto and its surrounding areas, the city is working to provide more opportunities for players of all ages to enjoy this beloved sport. With investments in new facilities and partnerships with schools, cricket is poised to become an integral part of the sporting landscape in the region. The past year and this year have seen a significant increase in female and male athletes venturing into new territories to play cricket. One notable example is the Lady Lynxes, who have achieved an impressive 42-0 record since the reintroduction of the girls’ cricket program in 2023, setting a new standard for athletic excellence at their school.
“The landscape is evolving, isn’t it?” remarks Rohit Malhotra, the coach of the girls’ cricket team at Stephen Lewis. “With the influx of new immigrants bringing South-Asian culture, it’s wonderful to have a school in the GTA that reflects this diversity through its commitment to girls’ cricket.”
Cricket is no longer just a sport for boys and men; it has become a game that transcends age and gender barriers. The City of Toronto has recognized the growing popularity of cricket and is taking steps to accommodate the demand for more cricket facilities. A recent cricket strategy proposed the creation of five new cricket fields over the next 20 years, but feedback from the community indicated a need for a more substantial investment in cricket infrastructure.
City Councillor Bentley and his team are currently engaging with various cricket stakeholders to finalize plans for expanding cricket facilities. Additional funding has already been allocated to support these projects, reflecting the city’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for cricket facilities.
One of the key initiatives is the transformation of underutilized baseball fields into modern cricket grounds. Parks like Littles Road Park in Scarborough and Corvette Park will soon be converted into cricket-first facilities, catering to the needs of the growing cricket community in Toronto.
While some may lament the transition from baseball to cricket, Bentley emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing sports landscape. He acknowledges that there will always be traditionalists who resist change, but he believes that embracing new opportunities, such as the growth of cricket, is essential for the city’s sporting future.
In conclusion, the rise of female and male athletes exploring new avenues in cricket reflects the evolving sports scene in Toronto. By investing in cricket infrastructure and supporting the development of cricket programs, the city is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse sporting community.
