The World’s First International Sports Showdown

A photograph of the Toronto Cricket Club's new clubhouse featured in the Toronto Star. Sourced from Toronto Public Library.

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In 1840, a New York cricket club received an invitation to play the Toronto Cricket Club.

But when the Americans arrived after a long and gruelling journey north, they discovered the invitation was a fake sent by a mysterious prankster. Embarrassed, the Torontonians threw together a quick match for local spectators, including the lieutenant governor, who were excited at the chance to see an unexpected game. 

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