Jeremy Gordon Reflects On GT20 Canada's Role And Special Moments With Kohli, Bumrah

The upcoming Global T20 League in Canada is set to reach new heights as top international cricketers will participate in it. But along with the foreigners, the franchise league has been a huge step forward for local Canadian players.

MyKhel had a chance to catch up with one of GT20 Canada League's current stars, Jeremy Gordon. The veteran bowler played for Canada in the T20 World Cup 2024 and has been a winner of the tournament with his current team Vancouver Knights.

Although cricket in Canada has a long history, the GT20 has brought fresh excitement. Jeremy Gordon says the league has created a significant buzz among young players. It has also greatly benefited local players by allowing them to play alongside international stars.

"Being able to play with some of the best players in the world, play with or against, has definitely helped us skill-wise and confidence. We have learned a lot of things in the dressing room - how to play under pressure. We actually learned things about our own game because most of us ask questions. I personally would ask the different questions to Tim Southee or Mitchell McClenaghan just to pick their brains," he says.

Jeremy plays for Canada but is originally from Guyana. Born in South America, he played youth cricket for Guyana before moving to Canada. He credits his mother for introducing him to cricket.

"My mom uh got me into cricket. I was born in Guyana so I got into the sport. I started off as a batter, but I was taller than most of my teammates. So they encouraged me to start bowling. And to be honest, the rest is history because once I started bowling. I noticed I started doing pretty well and I took a liking to it. I played for Guyana under-15, under-19 and then I played for the national senior team before migrating to Canada."

The Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah Meet

India was set to play Canada in the group stages of the T20 World Cup but the match was abandoned due to a hurricane in Miami. Despite no play, Gordon reveals he had a chance to meet with two Indian greats- Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

I spoke to Virat, I spoke to Bumrah. It was just basically me just sharing my admiration and appreciation. It wasn't anything in-depth really about cricket. I think some of the other guys are waiting just to chat with them so it was just a quick 'I admire you, I think you're one of the best in the game' chat. That was my view to basically both of them and they're like phenomenal. Bumrah is such class while Kohli, as you know, is just a master," Gordon concluded.

The Idols

Being Caribbean by birth, Gordon idolized Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh growing up. He says his bowling action is influenced by both West Indies legends.

"For me it was two it was Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose so essentially I like them both so if you look at my action it's a mixture of both of them. I couldn't figure which one I liked more so it's it became a mixture of both. Just the impact again they had in the game and that combination was a deadly combination," says Gordon.

Personal Goals

Gordon aims to contribute more with his batting but remains focused on his primary role as a bowler.

"I bowl with the new ball and I bowl in depth. So for me with the new ball, it's just to be impactful, whether it's restricting scoring or taking wickets and supporting whoever's bowling at the other end and in depth. I've been working on my batting hopefully I could contribute as well with bat so my goal is just contribute team's success."

Vancouver Knights Experience

The Canadian pacer plays for Vancouver Knights, who won GT20's inaugural season. Ahead of this season, Gordon believes they have a balanced squad and are historically strong.

"I'm excited to be playing with Mohamed Amir, who again, I think is one of legends game. Just being able be dressing room him kind pick brain terms different deliveries bowls get mindset playing again Babar Azam," Gordon says.

Incidentally Pakistan duo yet get NOC PCB take part tournament.

On T20 World Cup Experience

Jeremy Gordon played opening match against USA says fantastic experience team made first appearance T20 World Cup.

"It surreal experience honest competing level against best cricketers world likes India Pakistan Ireland magnificent experience not myself entire team Canada nation."

In this exclusive interview extract, Jeremy Gordon shares insights into his cricketing journey and experiences within GT20 Canada League.