The roots of cricket spring mainly from the regions of Upper Canada and in particular from around the little town of York, now known as Toronto, in the Province of Ontario. During the early years of the nineteenth century the game was encouraged in the town by George A. Barber, a young English schoolmaster. Today he is considered to be the father of Canadian cricket.
Barber was a man of many talents – he was publisher of the Toronto Herald and also a master at Upper Canada College. In 1827 he helped found the prestigious Toronto Cricket Club and in 1829 played a large part in introducing cricket into the newly established college. It was Barber who instigated the historic series between the Toronto Cricket Club and Upper Canada College in 1836. These matches are still played annually, and through the years both clubs have turned out a host of talented cricketers who have gone on to represent their country.
Cricket Council of Ontario (CCO) was incorporate in 2009 with sole intent of uniting member leagues to work as unified body to work collectively towards growth of Cricket in province of Ontario. In 2010, CCO was recognized as official representative body to Cricket Canada from the province of Ontario. CCO represents approximately 90% of cricket playing population in Ontario. Having being incorporated for only few years and running, CCO has become a body with a mission and vision to grow the game of Cricket, not only in Ontario but in Canada by working and uniting with other provincial bodies to help Cricket Canada and Government Sports Agencies for development and growth of game of Cricket.