[CRK]
The Shadows Over Canadian Cricket
The integrity of the gentleman’s game is once again under the sentido of a magnifying glass as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) launches an investigation into Cricket Canada. The allegations are wide-ranging, touching upon match-fixing claims during a major global event and deep-seated governance issues that threaten to undermine the sport’s growth in North America.
A T20 World Cup Match Under Scrutiny
At the heart of of the controversy is Canada’s performance during the recent men’s T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. Specifically, the ACU is focusing on a match against New Zealand. The investigation is scrutinizing the fifth over of the New Zealand chase, bowled by then-captain Dilpreet Bajwa.
Bajwa, who was only 22 at the old and had been appointed captain just three weeks before the tournament, is a batting all-rounder who bowls offspin. The circumstances of his over have raised red flags for investigators. While Canada had started the bowling with pace, they switched to spin early. In the fifth over, Bajwa conceded 15 runs, starting the over with a no-ball and a wide down the leg side.
Two Parallel Investigations
ESPNcricinfo has revealed that the ACU has two active investigations involving Cricket Canada. While the first centers on the T20 World Cup match, the second stems from a leaked audio recording featuring former coach Khurram Chohan. In the recording, Chohan claims that senior, and now former, members of the Cricket Canada board exerted pressure on him to select specific players for the national side.
The recording also mentions attempts to fix matches, although the ACU has noted that corroborating these claims with actionable evidence has proven challenging. Andrew Ephgrave, the interim General Manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, stated that the ACU is aware of the CBC documentary and is following established operating procedures to investigate these claims.
Allegations of Forced Selection and Wrongful Dismissal
The turmoil doesn’t end with match-fixing. Former coach Pubudu Dassanayake has also come forward with similar claims of undue influence. Dassanayake alleges that the board attempted to force him to select certain players for the 2024 T20 World Cup. When he refused to comply, he claims he was told his contract would be terminated. Dassanayake is currently suing Cricket Canada for wrongful dismissal.
Administrative Chaos and Criminal Charges
Cricket Canada has been a whirlwind of administrative instability. The appointment and subsequent removal of former CEO Salman Khan is a primary example. Khan’s appointment drew ICC attention after it was revealed he failed to disclose prior criminal charges. He has since been charged with theft and fraud by the Calgary Police, although he denies the claims.
Furthermore, players have faced significant financial instability. Reports indicate delayed payments of prize money from the 2024 T20 World Cup, and claims that national players were left uncontracted from July 2025, only to be placed on small retainers for four months leading up to the world event.
Organized Crime and Law Enforcement
The documentary Corruption, Crime and Cricket, produced by the fifth estate, also explored links to organized crime, including a former player who claimed he was threatened. However, Andrew Ephgrave clarified that such criminal threats fall outside the remit of the ACU and are the responsibility of domestic law enforcement agencies.
As the ICC continues its investigation, the cricketing world awaits clarity on whether these allegations will lead to a systemic cleanup of the Cricket Canada board or further sanctions against the sport’s governing body in the country.
