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Canada cricket captain Nicholas Kirton got arrested for carrying a large quantity of banned substances, according to a report in Jamaica Gleaner. The batter was arrested at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. The 26-year-old star was reportedly carrying 20 pounds (approx. 9 kg) of cannabis, also known as ganja or marijuana.
For the unversed, possession of up to two ounces (approx. 57 grams) of cannabis is not a criminal offense, but people are not allowed to carry it in public, and failure to do so can attract a heavy fine. Nicholas was carrying almost 160 times the permissible limit, for which he was taken into police custody.
Who Is Nicholas Kirton?
Nicholas Kirton was born in Barbadis and played cricket for their Under-19 and 19 side. He was also part of the West Indies under-19 squad but didn't feature in a single game for the team. Kirton's mother was Canadian which allowed him to represent the side in international cricket. He was featured in List A cricket for Canada, making his international debut against Oman in February 2018. Nicholas was appointed as Canada's captain across formats in July 2024.
The left-handed batter has played 21 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Canada, scoring 514 and 627 runs, respectively, including seven fifties across formats. Cricket Canada also released a statement on the Kirton controversy and said that the board is fully committed to ensuring transparency
"Cricket Canada has been made aware of the recent allegations and detainment involving National Team player Nicholas Kirton. We are actively monitoring the situation and closely following developments as they unfold. Cricket Canada is committed to ensuring transparency and will provide updates as more details become available.
He last featured against Namibia in a T20I match on March 23 at Windhoek where he scored 37 runs off 26 balls. Canada are scheduled to play in the North America Cup alongside Bahamas, Bermuda, USA, and Cayman Islands which is scheduled to start from April 18.
