TORONTO, Canada, CMC—Former West Indies Twenty20 captain Carlos Brathwaite will be one of many international stars who will headline the inaugural Princess Margaret Cricket to Conquer Cancer “dawn-to-dusk” street cricket event in May next year.
The initiative, unveiled here Thursday by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, is expected to be the largest of its kind in the country, bringing together celebrities to raise funds for cancer research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Organizers also said that, with cricket being the vehicle, they expected the event to “foster a sense of community.”
The 35-year-old Brathwaite, who led West Indies in 30 of his 41 T20 Internationals, said he hoped to contribute to the event’s success.
“I am thrilled to witness cricket’s growing popularity in Canada—a testament to its welcoming and multicultural community. It truly is a global sport,” said Brathwaite, who now plays on the lucrative T20 franchise circuit.
“We all have a personal connection to cancer, me included. One thing that kept my mum going through her cancer treatment was her constant smile and positive outlook.
“I look forward to making this event a celebration for survivors and an inspiration for all those during their journey.”
Brathwaite has in the past opened up about the experience of his mother Joycelyn’s battle with breast cancer, speaking extensively ahead of Jane McGrath Day of the Sydney Test on the Caribbean side’s 2016 tour of Australia.
McGrath, the wife of Australian fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath, died of cancer in 2008.
Dr. Amit Oza, the head of the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, said he expected the event to have a lasting impact on cancer research and the sport.
“The effects from this fundraiser will know no bounds,” Oza said.
“Funds raised by our passionate community of participants help lead to breakthroughs that will benefit patients in Canada and worldwide.
“As a cricket enthusiast, I am delighted we can celebrate this amazing sport while creating a global impact on cancer research.”
According to Canadian government health statistics, cancer has remained the leading cause of death in the country.
The street cricket event occurs on May 31, 2025, in Mississauga.
and then 