Cheer on Your Favourite Team During the Cricket World Cup with UP Express
Published: May 30, 2024
Starting on June 1st, the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cricket Cup is bringing cricket's excitement to the world. This month-long tournament will feature the best players representing over 20 nations, including a new powerhouse team from around the block, Cricket Canada. UP Express connects downtown Toronto and Pearson Airport in just 25 minutes so you bring the excitement as you travel to games to cheer on your team.
Cricket is one of the fastest-growing sports in Toronto and across Canada. This blog is your best source of information for local cricket clubs, where to get out and practice, and where to cheer on your chosen country in this year’s 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cricket Cup.
What is the T20 Cricket World Cup?
The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cricket Cup, hosted in 2024 by Cricket USA and Cricket West Indies, will be the ninth edition of the tournament. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cricket Cup takes place every two years and features a record 20 nations. These 20 teams will battle for the ultimate prize over 29 days in June.
T20 cricket is a shortened version of cricket. Each team plays a maximum of 20 overs, which are sets of six balls bowled by the same bowler. This format is known for its high-scoring matches and fast-paced action, as teams try to score as many runs as possible. It is considered a more accessible and exciting version of the game, appealing to a broader audience than the traditional five-day test format.
Well-known cricket giants like Pakistan, India, and Australia will all appear at this year's tournament. Most exciting, however, is that 2024 marks the return of Cricket Canada to international cricket! This is the first time in history that Canada’s young team is scheduled to appear on the global stage after qualifying for the tournament over tough competition in the West Indies. Canada and the United States will kickstart the tournament on June 1st in Dallas, Texas.
Want to cheer on Team Canada this year? UP Express is a great way to avoid the stress of driving and the challenge of finding parking, especially for events where parking can be a nightmare. It's a comfortable and reliable way to travel around the city, and highly recommended for anyone looking for a hassle-free way to cheer on your favourite team!
DYK: This match marks a return to the oldest rivalry in international cricket. Canada and the United States met in the first international cricket match ever recorded in 1844, 33 years before England's meeting against Australia. Canada won the two-inning match by 23 runs at the St. George's Cricket Club in Manhattan.
Where to Play Cricket in Toronto
You need a few hard-to-find items to play cricket, such as a bat, a ball, stumps, and protective gear like pads and gloves. Finding a proper pitch to play cricket is also challenging. Ideally, a cricket pitch should have a flat surface surrounded by a circular or oval-shaped border. Finding teammates and a suitable pitch can be difficult, especially in urban areas with limited open spaces.
However, because cricket is growing in popularity in Canada, new and improved cricket pitches are popping up all over Toronto! Here are some of the best places to play in Toronto.
Fergy Brown Park: 3700 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON
Located in the northeastern quadrant of Eglinton Flats, Fergy Brown Park is home to two (2) regulation cricket pitches. Because of the park's location and proximity to downtown Toronto, these pitches are often booked for private cricket leagues. However, you can usually join active games or practice bowling on weekdays and early mornings.
Fergy Brown Park is conveniently located within a 30-minute walk from Weston Station, making UP Express a great option to get to the pitch from downtown Toronto or Toronto International Airport. For those wanting to get their steps in, consider taking the long way to Fergy Brown Park along the Humber River trail.
McClary Park: 755 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON
This 2.8-hectare park on Lake Shore Boulevard East is a well-lit, always active cricket diamond located within walking distance of transit. With only one (1) cricket diamond, it is recommended that you book ahead of time if you and your team want to come and play. For those looking for a challenge, the wind off Lake Ontario makes for some tricky bowls for those batting.
Perhaps McCleary Park's best feature is its proximity to downtown Toronto. Union Station is a short bike ride away or a longer walk for those looking to warm up before their test. TTC connections are also readily available at Union Station. Leave the traffic at home and focus on your game—try taking the UP Express to Union Station if you are coming to play at McCleary Park.
Learn to play at these Toronto cricket clubs!
Are you looking for a new and exciting challenge that will test your physical abilities and allow you to meet new people? Cricket’s rich history, unique rules, and ability to bring people together make learning to play cricket a great way to make friends, learn new skills, and have fun.
Toronto Cricket Club
The Toronto Cricket Club is Toronto’s premier cricket destination. Located in midtown Toronto, this social club is for those interested in learning to play cricket while also enjoying an upscale lifestyle club with pools, restaurants, and social opportunities. The Toronto Cricket Club features ongoing lessons for pros, juniors, and new adults to the sport.
The Toronto Cricket Club is member-only, and you must be a member to take lessons. Those looking to take advantage of its local location in downtown Toronto can take the UP Express to Union Station and transfer to TTC services.
SOFF Cricket
SOFF Cricket opened in 2013 with the goal of growing the game of cricket in Toronto. They offer a variety of lessons and drop-in practice for those new to the game in an indoor and low-pressure environment. Those looking to learn more about the game but aren’t sure if it’s for them can take advantage of SOFF Cricket’s equipment rental. Getting too good for drop-in practice? Why not try out SOFF Cricket’s unique one-on-one coaching programs to take your game to the next level?
SOFF Cricket benefits from having two locations close to Pearson Station. With equipment rental at the pitch, why not relax, leave the car at home, and take the UP train to your next practice?
Experience the best of cricket using UP Express this summer!
UP Express is your gateway to unique and exciting experiences, whether here in Canada or worldwide. With the arrival of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cricket Cup this June, UP Express is your ticket to the best cricket has to offer. Whether it be watching your favourite bowler win for your country, or working with your defenders to secure the wickets, cricket is all about community and working as a team.
UP Express is proud to be on your team. With our convenient service, rapid connections, and comfortable journey, UP Express is the best way to get to downtown Toronto, Pearson Airport, and everywhere in between.