Saad Bin Zafar Urges ICC to Give Associate Nations Greater Exposure
Former Canada captain Saad Bin Zafar has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to provide Associate nations with more regular opportunities against Full Member teams, saying greater exposure is essential for development.
Canada’s T20 World Cup campaign ended with a defeat to Afghanistan in their final Group D fixture, capping a tournament in which they lost all four matches. The 2026 edition marked the first time since 2024 that Canada had faced Full Member opposition at a T20 World Cup.
“I think if there’s one thing that I would like to change, it would be Associate countries getting more opportunities to compete against some of the best nations because that’s the learning ground,” Bin Zafar said after the loss. “That’s where you learn.”
Call for Structured Opportunities
Bin Zafar highlighted Canada’s unique geographical challenge, noting the absence of a regional tournament structure similar to Asia’s.
“It’s also hard for us because we don’t fall under areas like Asia,” he explained. “Asian teams get to play the Asia Cup and a few other tournaments. We don’t have anything like that.
“If we can start something where the ICC can help us play some of these regular countries a couple of games throughout the year, it will give us more exposure and more experience. Then we can reflect and learn from them and come better prepared.”
He stressed that Associate teams often enter global tournaments without sufficient preparation against elite opposition.
“At World Cups, you are thrown right against the bigger opponents. We don’t get any prior experience coming to the World Cup. I hope that’s something the ICC can do for us as Associate nations.”
Handling Pressure on the Big Stage
Canada’s players also had to adjust to performing in front of large crowds and global audiences — a relatively new experience for many in the squad.
“Obviously, there is a lot of mental pressure when you play in front of the crowd and the mass audience,” Bin Zafar said. “Not just the crowd at the ground but the fact that the whole world is watching you. It puts you under a lot of pressure, but as cricketers we have to find ways to control our nerves and focus on the job.”
He added that Associate cricket carries its own intense pressures, particularly with qualification and status often on the line.
“A lot of the tournaments we play, our qualification is on the line — whether we have to regain ODI status or qualify for a World Cup. So it’s a different kind of pressure, but that’s pressure itself. We are used to controlling it and staying present.”
Positives Despite Winless Campaign
Although Canada finished with four defeats from four matches, Bin Zafar pointed to several encouraging individual performances.
“Yuvraj Samra is one of them, Harsh Thaker had a few good knocks,” he said. “Bowling-wise Ansh Patel, myself — we picked up a few wickets — Kaleem Sana had a few good spells.”
However, he acknowledged the team’s inability to deliver a complete performance across all departments.
“All in all, a few individual performances, but it’s disappointing that we couldn’t have a complete game.”
For Bin Zafar and Canada, the message was clear: talent exists within Associate ranks, but sustained exposure against top-tier opposition is essential if they are to bridge the gap on the global stage.