Iain Colpitts for Mississauga News
\nCricket has long been considered Canada\u2019s fastest growing sport, but Ranil Mendis is one of enthusiasts who will point out its deep history in this country.
\nRecords show that it was Canada\u2019s first official sport, recognized as such by Prime Minister John A. McDonald in 1867.
\nMendis, who attends St. Thomas A. Becket Anglican Church in Mississauga, did some research of his own and found the first recorded cricket match between Anglican churches in Canada was on July 20, 1889 between St. Mathias and St. James Cathedral.<\/p>\n
Nearly 130 years later, Mendis helped organize the inaugural Anglican Diocese of Toronto Cricket Tournament on July 22 at Erindale Park.
\n\u201cNot very many people knew about (cricket\u2019s history in Canada),\u201d Mendis said.
\n\u201cI am a cricket fan myself and this was a way for our churches to be involved \u2026 It was a great way for the churches to get together.\u201d
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