[CRK]
Shadows Over the Maple Leaf: ICC Probes Corruption Allegations in Cricket Canada
The integrity of international cricket is once again under the microscope as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) launches a rigorous investigation into Cricket Canada. The probe follows a series of explosive allegations concerning governance failures, player selection coercion, and potential match-fixing during the recent men’s T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka.
The catalyst for these investigations was a 43-minute investigative documentary titled ‘Corruption, Crime and Cricket’, produced by the fifth estate and aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). The film presents a harrowing look at the internal workings of Canada’s governing body for cricket, alleging a culture of instability and corruption that reaches the highest levels of leadership.
The New Zealand Match: A Single Over Under Scrutiny
One of the most concerning aspects of the ACU’s investigation centers on a specific match during the T20 World Cup involving Canada and New Zealand. According to the documentary, the ICC is closely examining the fifth over of New Zealand’s chase, specifically the performance of then-captain Dilpreet Bajwa.
Bajwa, a batting all-rounder who bowls offspin, had been appointed captain just three weeks before the tournament began. The circumstances of his bowling spell have raised red flags. After Canada opened with pace bowlers Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger—who struggled, conceding 15 and 14 runs respectively—the team shifted to spin. While Saad bin Zafar managed a wicket maiden in the third over and Heyliger took a wicket in the fourth, Bajwa’s subsequent over was disastrous.
Bajwa began his over with a no-ball and followed it with a wide down the leg side, ultimately conceding 15 runs in a single over. This specific sequence of events has become a focal point for the ACU as they determine if the performance was a result of sporting failure or something more sinister.
Allegations of Coercion and Selection Interference
Beyond the field of play, the investigation delves into the systemic governance of Cricket Canada. A significant piece of evidence involves a leaked telephone recording featuring former Canada coach Khurram Chohan. In the audio, Chohan claims that senior members of the Cricket Canada board—most of whom have since left their positions—exerted undue pressure on him to select specific players for the national squad.
While the recording also contains assertions regarding attempts to fix matches, the ACU has noted that corroborating these claims with actionable evidence has proven challenging. However, the implications of administrative interference in team selection suggest a profound breach of professional standards.
This sentiment was echoed by another former coach, Pubudu Dassanayake. Dassanayake alleged that he faced similar pressure to select certain players for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He claims that the board attempted to “force” his hand, and upon his refusal to comply, he was informed that his contract would be terminated. Dassanayake is currently pursuing legal action against Cricket Canada for wrongful dismissal.
Administrative Turmoil and Criminal Charges
The corruption allegations do not exist in a vacuum; they are set against a backdrop of severe administrative chaos. The appointment and subsequent removal of former CEO Salman Khan brought significant scrutiny from the ICC. It was revealed that Khan failed to disclose prior criminal charges during his appointment process. He has since been charged with theft and fraud by the Calgary Police, although Khan has denied these allegations.
In an attempt to stabilize the organization, Arvinder Khosa was recently elected as board president, replacing Amjad Bajwa. Yet, the damage to the organization’s reputation persists, compounded by reports of financial mismanagement. Players have reportedly faced delays in receiving prize money owed to them from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Furthermore, the CBC documentary claims that national players were left uncontracted from July 2025 and were subsequently placed on small retainers for the four months leading up to this year’s World Cup.
The ICC’s Stance and the Limit of Jurisdiction
Responding to the controversy, Andrew Ephgrave, the interim General Manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, confirmed that the ACU is aware of the CBC broadcast. In a statement to ESPNcricinfo, Ephgrave noted: “Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it.”
Ephgrave further clarified that the ACU focuses on intelligence, prevention, education, and investigation. However, he drew a clear line regarding certain allegations of organized crime. When asked about a former player’s claim of being threatened, Ephgrave stated that such matters are beyond the ACU’s remit, describing them as a “domestic matter” and a “law enforcement responsibility.”
As the investigations continue, the future of Cricket Canada remains uncertain. The sport in the country now faces the daunting task of purging systemic corruption to regain the trust of its players, the ICC, and the global cricketing community.
