CRICKET

The Toronto Police Cricket Club was founded in 1992 by members of the Toronto Police Service, including both uniformed and civilian personnel. Initially competing in the Scarborough League until 1997, the club acquired its own cricket ground at Whiteheather Boulevard and McNicoll Avenue in Scarborough. Following this, the team transitioned from league play to competing against various community teams within Scarborough and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

International Tours and Community Engagement:
In 1998, the club embarked on its first international tour to Barbados, participating in the Second International Police Cricket Championship. Since then, the team has traveled extensively, visiting countries such as Australia, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, Barbados, St. Vincent and Pakistan. The club’s primary mandate is to “foster better community relations through the game of cricket.”

Hosting Cricket Championships:
The Toronto Police Cricket Club has hosted the North American Police Cricket Championship at its ground for the past twelve years. The event has brought together teams from various police services, including the New York Police Cricket Team, Peel Regional Police Cricket Club, New York Correctional Services Cricket Team and the Canadian Police Cricket Team. Notably, the club introduced a new community team to cater to players looking to learn the game, senior members, and those with different skill levels.

Community Team Initiative:
The Toronto Police Community Cricket Team was established to provide opportunities for players to develop their skills and participate in the sport. This team competes against various teams within the GTA, promoting community engagement and sportsmanship. The initiative reflects the club’s commitment to building relationships and fostering a sense of community through cricket.

From November 17-24, 2023, TPCC tour St Vincent and the Grenadines on the invitation of the Royal St Vincent Police Force. It was a prototype tour where TPCC members wanted to not only play cricket but to make an impact on the country officers were visiting. TPCC members donated monies to the Police scholarship fund for children of fallen colleagues. TPCC also donated computer and office equipment to help the Police in their crime fighting and data management capabilities.
TPCC also donated monies and school equipment and computers to Westwood Methodist Government School.
The Commissioner of Police stated that ” we look forward to your continued support, collaboration and partnerships towards brighter and safer communities.
TPCC members through their continued efforts are true ambassadors of the Toronto Police Service.

Legacy of Police Ground:

The Toronto Police Cricket Club’s ground is named in honor of fallen officer Percy Cummins, a dedicated police officer and avid cricketer. Cummins served with the Barbados Police Service before joining the Toronto Police Service in 1970. Tragically, he lost his life in the line of duty on September 23, 1981, while responding to a disturbance call in west Toronto. He was fatally shot with his own gun after he and his partner were disarmed.

Remembering Percy Cummins:
The Toronto Police Service dedicated its Scarborough cricket ground to Cummins’ memory in June 1998, launching an annual cricket fixture in his honor. This event brings together teams from the Toronto Police Cricket Club and the Barbados Ex-Police Cricketers in Toronto. Cummins’ widow, Eurieta, regularly attends the matches to support the teams, ensuring his legacy lives on.