Meet 23-year-old Ben Calitz? The former Canadian cricketer who has now earned his maiden call-up for Ireland

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Ben Calitz, born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 6, 2002, has become one of the most promising young cricketers to watch. With his roots firmly in Canada, and a deep connection to South Africa, where he spent much of his childhood, Calitz’s journey to the international cricket scene is nothing short of inspiring. His determination, hard work, and incredible talent have led him to represent Canada at the Under-19 level and, recently, earn a historic call-up to the Ireland senior team.

In September 2025, Calitz’s career took a new turn when he was named to the Ireland national team for the first time. This historic moment not only marked a major step in his cricketing journey but also signified his transition from being a promising player to a fully-fledged international cricketer. As Ireland hosts England for the first time in a T20I series, Calitz’s inclusion adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the series. At just 23 years old, Calitz has proven his mettle, and his elevation to the Irish team showcases the possibilities for Canadian cricketers who seek to play at the highest levels of the game.

1. Early beginnings and cricket in South Africa

Calitz’s cricketing roots began at a young age in South Africa, where he was exposed to the game in a country deeply passionate about cricket. His early memories are filled with moments of playing in the backyard, practicing with his father before school, and spending hours at the indoor facilities in Boland. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, his mother’s influence was pivotal in his early development. From the age of three to five, she coached him in various sports, helping to lay the foundation for his future cricket career. His time in South Africa shaped him into a talented left-handed top-order batter, with the ability to keep wickets when needed.

2. The move to Canada and U19 World Cup debut

Calitz’s connection to Canada began when his father worked as a rugby coach in the country from 2001 to 2004. This allowed Calitz and his sister to obtain Canadian passports. When Canada’s Under-19 cricket team visited Namibia in 2018, Calitz was invited to play in Canada for a season. His performances at the domestic level helped him earn a spot in Canada’s squad for the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His debut at the World Cup in South Africa, playing against top-tier teams, was a moment of immense pride. Notably, Calitz scored an impressive 63 not out against South Africa, which was one of the best scores for an associate nation.

3. A journey across the globe and balancing priorities

Calitz’s path to becoming a Canadian cricketer involved numerous travel experiences and personal sacrifices. At just 15 years old, he traveled across the globe to work as a liaison officer for the Canadian senior men’s team during their tour of Namibia. This experience proved to be invaluable, as it exposed him to the level of commitment and preparation required at the international level. During this period, he also played for the British Columbia Under-17 team and was selected for Canada’s Under-19 development tour to the West Indies. These travels took a toll on his education, and Calitz had to catch up on missed schoolwork. However, the experiences gained from each tour helped him mature as a cricketer and individual.

4. Exceptional domestic and international performances

In the years following his U19 World Cup debut, Calitz’s cricketing journey continued to flourish. His domestic cricket career started with appearances for British Columbia U-17 and the Ontario Cricket Academy First XI. Over time, he also played for the Windhoek High School First XI and Wellington CC Senior Men First XI in South Africa.

His notable performances in domestic cricket, including his blistering half-century in a T20 match, solidified his reputation as a potential star for Canadian cricket. He also impressed during the 2024 Inter-Provincial Trophy and the 2024 Inter-Provincial Cup, where he made his debut for Northern Knights, with both T20 and List A appearances. These performances were just the beginning of his steady rise.

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5. Breakthrough moment for Calitz: U19 Americas regional qualifier

Calitz’s leadership qualities were fully on display during the Americas Regional Qualifier in King City, Ontario, where Canada secured their third consecutive U19 World Cup qualification. Calitz’s hard work and dedication were instrumental, as he helped Canada defeat the USA in a highly anticipated match to secure the top spot. He also contributed with key performances, including a match-winning knock and several key dismissals behind the stumps. His calmness under pressure and his ability to perform in high-stakes situations stood out as critical factors in Canada’s successful campaign.

6. Achievements in record-breaking performances

Despite his young age, Calitz has set several notable records. These include:

7. Calitz’s transition from Canada to Ireland

In 2022, Calitz moved to Ireland and became Irish-qualified just five months before being selected for the Ireland Wolves tour to the UAE in April 2025. This move marked a major milestone in his journey, as he was soon seen representing prominent teams like Munster Reds and Northern Knights in the prestigious Inter-Provincial Series.

Playing for Lisburn in the Northern Cricket Union (NCU), Calitz’s domestic performances impressed many. His inclusion in the Ireland Wolves squad highlighted the rapid development and adaptation he had shown after moving to Ireland. Interestingly, Calitz’s rise in the Ireland cricketing scene came at the cost of Tim Tector, a prolific run-scorer in Irish domestic T20 cricket.

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