In a shocking turn of events during the 2025 IPL season, Canadian cricket captain Nicholas Kirton was arrested at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. According to a report by the Jamaica Gleaner, the 26-year-old was caught with 20 pounds (around 9 kg) of cannabis—far beyond the legal limit.
While possession of up to two ounces (about 57 grams) is not a criminal offense in Barbados, carrying such a large quantity publicly is illegal and can result in heavy penalties. Kirton’s possession was nearly 160 times the permissible amount, leading to his immediate arrest and police custody.
A Promising Career in Cricket
Nicholas Kirton was born in Barbados and played for its U-19 team before joining the West Indies under-19 squad, though he didn’t play any matches for them. Due to his Canadian heritage through his mother, he became eligible to represent Canada in international cricket.
He made his debut in February 2018 against Oman and quickly became a key player for the team. Kirton has participated in 21 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 28 T20 Internationals (T20Is), scoring 514 and 627 runs respectively. His contributions include seven half-centuries across both formats. Recognizing his consistent performance, Kirton was named captain of the Canadian team across all formats in July 2024.
Cricket Canada Responds to the Incident
Following the arrest, Cricket Canada issued a public statement acknowledging the situation. The board confirmed it was aware of the allegations and Kirton’s detainment. Officials assured fans and the media that they are closely monitoring the developments and will ensure complete transparency as more information becomes available.
Kirton last played in a T20I match against Namibia on March 23, where he scored 37 runs off 26 balls. Canada is preparing for its next major assignment—the North America Cup—which includes teams like the USA, Bermuda, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. The tournament is set to begin on April 18, but Kirton’s participation now seems uncertain due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
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