Monty Desai resigns as Canada coach amid ICC anti-corruption probe

Monty Desai has left his role as head coach of the Canada men's cricket team, the departure reported on August 20, 2026, after three months in charge amid fallout from the T20 World Cup and an ongoing dispute with the International Cricket Council. His exit comes as Cricket Canada continues to confront an ICC Anti-Corruption Unit investigation and wider governance issues.

Desai was appointed interim head coach in May, shortly after Canada’s difficult T20 World Cup campaign, and he oversaw two Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series during his brief second stint with the team. This was his second spell with Canada; he first worked with the side in 2019 and returned following a tournament in which Canada lost all four of their matches at the T20 World Cup. "A short chapter, but a meaningful one," Desai wrote on Instagram. "Grateful to Cricket Canada for the opportunity to serve as Interim Head Coach over the past three months." "Every environment leaves you with learnings. This experience further strengthened my belief that sustainable performance is built through time, trust, preparation, strong relationships and collective ownership."

The coaching vacancy is now open, with Cricket Canada inviting applications for the position; candidates are able to apply until August 28.

The team’s T20 World Cup campaign became the subject of an ICC Anti-Corruption Unit investigation centred on allegations surrounding Canada’s match against New Zealand, and separate concerns have been raised about Cricket Canada’s governance and compliance with ICC membership obligations.

The ICC suspended funding to Cricket Canada in May and subsequently suspended its Associate membership; the board remains suspended and has been given conditions to meet before reinstatement.

On the field, Canada sit sixth in the Cricket World Cup League 2 standings with four matches remaining; the top four sides will advance to next year’s ODI World Cup Qualifier. Canada’s next fixtures are scheduled against Oman and Nepal in Oman from October 9.

Desai departs after a short second spell while Canada continue to chase qualification and the board deals with an unresolved governance crisis; Cricket Canada must now find a new coach while attempting to restore stability to its cricketing set-up.