Fredericton’s third annual International Cricket Tournament returned this weekend, with a tie in the championship game on Sunday evening between Bangladesh and India. Event coordinator Haruka Kudo said this year’s tournament featured four local teams from four countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. “They’re bringing sports from their country and that’s very special for us,” said Kudo, of the Multicultural Association of Fredericton. “Cricket is growing in Fredericton too, with the city adopting the sport here.” The city opened its first cricket pitch in Lincoln Heights Park last year. “That’s been a great opportunity,” said Mahbubur Rahman, the team captain for Bangladesh. “We used to play in the baseball field. The sport is definitely growing here.” Cricket was declared Canada’s national sport at confederation, before the title was designated for hockey and lacrosse. Today, cricket is one of the world’s most popular sports, especially around India and South Asia. Immigrants to Canada have been credited with bringing renewed fanfare to the sport locally and across the country. “It’s been an amazing experience seeing that people are enjoying the game, seeing the game, and playing it,” said Angad Singh, the team captain for India. “It’s been growing, and more and more people are taking it up, so it’s great.” The International Cricket Tournament is part of a string of events hosted by the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, leading to the 2026 Cultural Expression Festival on June 27 at Officers’ Square For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
