Ugandan all-rounder Kenneth Kamyuka was third overall, chosen by the Kings in last week's draft.

The first round was completed by the selections of Kenneth Wong (Warriors), Damoudar Daesrath (Titans) and Dhanuka Pathirana (Royals).

Umar Bhatti, who captained Canada in the recent ICC Intercontinental Cup matches against Scotland and the Netherlands, was the second round selection of the Gladiators. 

Cheema became a crowd favourite with his powerful hitting for Canada in last year's Scotiabank Series ODI's, especially against the West Indies, and the Canadian Thanksgiving Al Barakah T20 tournament. He also is a useful medium pace bowler. He was interviewed by City TV before the draft, but Patel was, in many people's opinion, the surprise top choice.

Patel's strong performance as a right hand opening batsman and left-arm spin bowler saw Canada Under-19s to top spot in the recent ICC Americas Under-19 Championship.

Interestingly, the draft's second round began with Canadian Under-19 captain Rustam Bhatti, a wicketkeeper/batsman, being picked by the Royals. 

Patel said he knew he was "under consideration" as a leading choice, but admitted it was "a little bit of a surprise".

The draft came hot on the trail of Patel winning Player of the Tournament and Best Batsman awards in the ICC Americas Under-19 Championships.

The TDCA is Canada's largest cricket league where many Canadian junior and senior internationals have played over the years. Its Elite Division has nine teams: Brampton Masters Parkdale, Cavaliers, Centurions, Gujarat, Overseas, Popeyes, Toronto, Vikings and West Indians. The top two in the TJT NCL draft, Hiral Patel and Rizwan Cheema play for Popeyes.

Elite Division games mostly take place at Maple Leaf CC (King City), G. Ross Lord Park (Toronto) and the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club Saturdays and Sundays.