The Canada national team has announced its squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, featuring a heartwarming inclusion for IPL fans: former Punjab Kings (PBKS) spinner Ansh Patel. The 23-year-old left-arm spinner, who was picked by PBKS in the 2022 IPL auction but did not feature in a match, will make his World Cup debut in India, marking a significant homecoming.
Patel, born in Vadodara, Gujarat, previously played Under-19 cricket for Baroda before moving to Canada and representing the national side. His selection for the marquee tournament is a testament to his consistent performance, having already claimed five wickets in five T20I appearances for Canada.
While Canada faces a tough group alongside giants like South Africa and New Zealand, Patel's experience in Indian domestic circuits and his brief association with the IPL setup will be invaluable. His inclusion adds a compelling narrative to the Canadian squad, highlighting the global reach of the IPL and providing a positive boost for the young spinner on the international stage.
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“Ansh Patel, one of the spinners picked by Canada for the upcoming World Cup, has some experience in India, as he was once part of the IPL with the Punjab Kings, a franchise that picked him back in 2022, though he did not feature in any game for them.”
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“Ansh Patel, one of the spinners picked by Canada for the upcoming World Cup, has some experience in India, as he was once part of the IPL with the Punjab Kings, a franchise that picked him back in 2022, though he did not feature in any game for them.”