Village Roots, Global Dreams: Gurbaaz Singh Bajwa’s Journey to Canada’s Cricket Team!
Growing up in the small village of Gazi Nangal in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, Gurbaaz Singh Bajwa was introduced to cricket at a young age, often playing with his cousins in what began as a family pastime. “I started my cricketing journey playing with my cousins; it was a family thing back then,” he recalls. Though his father initially envisioned a future for Gurbaaz in hockey, he soon became a dedicated supporter of his son’s cricket ambitions, especially after watching him shine in local tournaments.
Gurbaaz’s love for cricket was sparked early—at just five years old—and was fueled by a deep admiration for Australian bowling legend Mitchell Johnson. Inspired by Johnson’s pace and skill, Gurbaaz embarked on his own journey, facing the tough demands of grassroots cricket in Gurdaspur, where he competed against aspiring players, many of whom went on to play in India’s Ranji Trophy and IPL. “These tournaments were tough, particularly as a bowler. To succeed, you had to be incredibly skillful,” he explains. It was here, as he took on big-name players and won local tournaments, that Gurbaaz began to see cricket as an integral part of his life.
During his formative years, Gurbaaz’s development was shaped by the mentorship of Sharan Randhawa Kalanaur. Sharan’s support during the early stages of his cricketing career helped Gurbaaz navigate the challenges and refine his skills, providing the guidance he needed as a young cricketer. “He was there for me during my struggling days,” Gurbaaz shares. “His mentorship played a crucial role in my journey.”
Balancing cricket with his academic pursuits, Gurbaaz also earned a diploma in mechanical engineering. Managing both worlds wasn’t easy, but time management became an invaluable skill as he established a structured routine that allowed him to prepare for cricket tournaments while meeting other commitments.
His hard work and perseverance recently culminated in an incredible achievement: a call-up to represent Canada in the ICC World Cup League 2 matches. The moment he received the call was a mix of excitement, pride, and emotion. “It was a surreal feeling. Every kid playing cricket dreams of representing their country,” Gurbaaz recalls. “Getting that call made me feel like I was living a dream. I’ve worked incredibly hard for this, and the chance to represent Canada is a huge honor.”
This milestone is one of many notable achievements in Gurbaaz’s cricket career. Among his proudest memories are back-to-back MVP titles at the Alberta City tournaments, where he delivered a thrilling five-wicket haul in one of the finals. These tournaments represented more than personal accolades—they were about camaraderie and the strong bonds he formed with his teammates as they battled through adversity together.
Another highlight in Gurbaaz’s journey was his selection for the GT20 tournament, joining the Bangla Tigers Mississauga. This opportunity brought him face-to-face with some of the sport’s elite players, such as David Wiese, Shoriful Islam, and Shakib Al Hasan. “Being part of GT20 was a fantastic experience, filled with valuable conversations and learnings,” he says.
The GT20 presented Gurbaaz with new challenges that further prepared him for international cricket. The tournament demanded adaptability, with each game requiring him to read the batsmen, adjust his deliveries, and refine his accuracy. “It was all about growth,” he explains. “I learned how to adjust to different conditions, maintain consistency, and focus on physical fitness—all crucial lessons for the path ahead.”
Now, as he prepares to don the Canadian colors, Gurbaaz Singh Bajwa stands ready to represent Canada with pride, armed with years of hard-won experience, the mentorship of supporters like Sharan, and the unwavering support of family and friends. It’s a long way from his days in Gazi Nangal, but his journey is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and love for cricket that have brought him to this remarkable moment.