Ian Billcliff was born in British Columbia, but grew up in Otago, New Zealand, where he learned his cricket. He made his debut for Otago in 1990-91, and made an immediate impression as a hard-hitting batsman, playing twice for New Zealand Under-19s, although he never was able to hold down a regular place even when he moved on to Wellington and finally Auckland. In all, he made only one first-class hundred. In the close season he played club cricket in England.

His career seemed over when he was invited to join the Canadian side ahead of the 2001 ICC Trophy, and he made an immediate impression, and also made a mark in the 2003 World Cup. His 42 was vital in Canada's remarkable win over Bangladesh, and he also made an impressive 71 in Canada's narrow loss to semi-finalists Kenya.

Still resident in New Zealand, his appearances for the national side are limited, although he was still an automatic choice for the 2007 World Cup despite only having played two ODIs for Canada in the preceding four years.
Martin Williamson