Canadian cricket captain and Barbadian native Nicholas Kirton was reportedly granted bail in the sum of BDS $100,000 after pleading not guilty to four drug-related charges in the District “F” Court on Friday.
The 26-year-old is facing charges of possession, trafficking, importation, and intent to supply nearly 20 pounds of cannabis, which authorities estimate has a street value of BDS $71,200.
Kirton appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick, where prosecutors did not object to bail but requested that his passport be surrendered and that he report weekly to a police station of his choice.
Defense attorneys Neville Reid and Angela Mitchell-Gittens countered the prosecution’s request, arguing that their client needed to return to Canada in short order due to his professional commitments with Cricket Canada. They also highlighted Kirton’s strong local ties, including his Barbadian wife and two children.
After consideration, the court approved bail and ordered Kirton to return for another hearing on June 2.
Kirton was arrested at the Grantley Adams International Airport on Sunday, March 30, after arriving on a flight from Canada.
In response to the charges, Cricket Canada issued a statement on Friday, stating that the organization is “actively monitoring the situation.”
"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," the statement read.
The governing body reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and accountability, while also expressing support for the rest of the national team.
"While this situation is being addressed, we would like to assure the public that our national men's team is fully focused on their preparations for the upcoming North America Cup, set to begin on April 18th in the Cayman Islands,” Cricket Canada added.
Kirton, who has represented Canada since 2018, is widely regarded as one of the most promising batters in the associate cricket world and recently captained Canada during the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier. Kirton has played 21 ODIs for Canada, scoring 514 runs, and 28 T20Is, scoring 627 runs. In 2020, he played three CPL games for Jamaica Tallawahs.