Historic Victory: Conestoga Hosts First-Ever OCR Women’s Cricket Tournament

The Road to the Championship 

The formation of the Conestoga Condors women’s cricket team was driven by passionate students who sought to bring the sport to their college. Misha Shah, the team captain, played a pivotal role in pushing for the creation of the team. She recalled the challenges of assembling a roster, noting that just a semester ago, there were not enough players to form a team. “I emailed, I asked around, and there just weren’t enough players at first,” Shah explained. “But when the men’s team started gaining attention, we thought, ‘Why not have a women’s team too?’ And here we are, winning the championship.” 

For some players, including Shah, the tournament was a return to a sport they had grown up playing. Others, like Tanvi Patel, an international student, saw it as an opportunity to continue their cricket journey in Canada. “When I got the email about a women’s cricket team at Conestoga, I was so excited,” Patel said. “It was my first experience playing in Canada, and to win the first tournament—it’s something I will always remember.”  

Despite the team’s limited experience playing together, they quickly bonded and developed strong communication and strategy. In a defining moment of the tournament, Conestoga stunned Humber College, by bowling them out for just 12 runs and securing a decisive victory. That momentum carried into the championship match, where they executed a strategic defense to claim the title. 

A Catalyst for Women’s Cricket in Ontario 

The significance of this tournament extends beyond Conestoga’s victory. It marks a turning point for the visibility of women’s cricket at the college level in Ontario. Shah emphasized that having a women’s cricket team at Conestoga would inspire future players. “There were so many players on our team who had never played before, and they still became champions,” she said. “Now, more students will see that they can try something new and succeed.” 

Patel echoed this sentiment, noting the broader importance of increasing female participation in sports. “Women should be encouraged to play, just like men,” she said. “It’s about confidence, teamwork, and growth. This tournament showed that women’s cricket belongs in Ontario colleges.” 

Shah also highlighted how participating in athletics helps student-athletes develop essential skills beyond the sport itself. “Cricket, and sports in general, teach leadership, communication, and teamwork. These skills are not just for the field but for life. Being part of this team has helped all of us grow in ways we never imagined,” she said. 

Rory Cooper, Supervisor, Recreation & Health for the Conestoga Condors, highlighted the broader impact of launching the women’s cricket program and hosting the tournament: “Launching the women's cricket team was all about providing additional opportunities to new students and to foster a sense of community. We've seen the benefits on the men's side, and wanted to provide the same opportunity for female cricket players. It's been a department initiative to increase the opportunities for female-identifying students to participate in extramural sports. Extramurals provide a passionate and dedicated opportunity for students which often has a domino effect to additional programs and opportunities for students. Hosting the first tournament helped increase the visibility and support for women's cricket. After seeing the success, another institution is trying to host this term which Conestoga will partake in. Organizing a women's tournament emphasizes the importance of gender equality in sports. It provides a platform for female athletes to showcase their talents and encourages more women to participate in sports.” 

The Condors’ victory was also made possible by the strong support from Conestoga’s athletic staff and coaches, particularly Aniket Kumar, a member of the men’s cricket team who stepped up to coach the women’s squad. “He always told us to just enjoy the moment and play our best,” Shah recalled. “That mindset helped us stay focused and motivated.” 

Kumar emphasized the dedication of the players and the significance of their efforts. “Showing up matters. Because after getting the program for women’s cricket started, nothing would be possible if they did not show up. It’s all about the courage they displayed to show up every week, give time, practice, learn, and then perform like this out there in front of everyone. It needs guts and passion to do that,” he said. 

Looking Ahead 

With their first championship secured, the Condors are eager for more competition. Shah and Patel both expressed a strong desire for additional tournaments and the possibility of outdoor matches in the summer. “We don’t want to stop here,” Shah said. “We want more games, more tournaments—we want to keep growing.”  

The success of this event sets a precedent for future OCR women’s cricket tournaments and paves the way for more colleges to invest in the sport. The Humber Hawks have now stepped forward as the host of the next women’s cricket tournament on March 10, 2025. As women’s cricket continues to develop in Canada, the Conestoga Condors have established themselves as a leader in fostering opportunities for female athletes. 

The inaugural OCR Women’s Cricket tournament was more than just a competition—it was a statement. The Condors proved that with determination, teamwork, and institutional support, new opportunities for women in sport can thrive. Their victory is not just a win for Conestoga but for the future of women’s cricket in Ontario. 

Photos from the tournament can be found HERE