[CRK]
A Crisis of Integrity: ICC Launches Corruption Probe into Cricket Canada
The international cricket community has been shaken by revelations of potential corruption within Cricket Canada. The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is currently spearheading two active investigations that delve into allegations of breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, spanning both international and domestic levels. This turmoil has come to light following the release of a hard-hitting documentary titled ‘Corruption, Crime and Cricket’, produced by the Canadian investigative program the fifth estate and aired by the public broadcaster CBC.
Suspicious Activity at the T20 World Cup
One of the most alarming aspects of the ACU’s investigation centers on a specific match during the recent men’s T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. The scrutiny is focused on Canada’s encounter with New Zealand, specifically during the fifth over of the New Zealand chase.
The investigation is focusing on the performance of Dilpreet Bajwa, who was appointed captain just three weeks before the tournament commenced. Bajwa, a 22-year-old batting all-rounder who bowls offspin, was brought into the attack when New Zealand was 35 for 2. While Canada had started with pace bowlers Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger—who had a difficult start, conceding 15 and 14 runs respectively—the momentum had shifted when Saad bin Zafar bowled a wicket maiden in the third over, followed by a wicket from Heyliger in the fourth.
However, the fifth over bowled by Bajwa raised significant red flags. The over began with a no-ball, included a wide down the leg side, and ultimately saw Bajwa concede 15 runs. The ACU is now analyzing whether this specific sequence of events was a result of poor play or something more sinister.
Allegations of Coerced Selections and Leaked Audio
Beyond the field of play, the ACU is investigating claims of systemic interference in squad selections. A central piece of evidence is a leaked recording of a telephone call involving former Canada coach Khurram Chohan. In the recording, Chohan alleges that senior members of the Cricket Canada board—who have since left their positions—exerted undue pressure on him to select specific players for the national side.
While the audio also contains claims regarding attempts to fix matches, the ACU has noted that these particular claims have been difficult to corroborate with actionable evidence. However, the pattern of interference is echoed by another former coach, Pubudu Dassanayake. Dassanayake claims he faced similar pressure regarding squad selections for the 2024 T20 World Cup. According to the fifth estate, the board attempted to force Dassanayake’s hand; when he refused to comply, he was informed that his contract would be terminated. Dassanayake is currently pursuing a lawsuit against Cricket Canada for wrongful dismissal.
Administrative Turmoil and Governance Failures
The corruption allegations are set against a backdrop of severe administrative instability. Cricket Canada has faced a chaotic year, highlighted by the appointment and subsequent removal of former CEO Salman Khan. Khan’s tenure drew the attention of the ICC after it was revealed that he had failed to disclose prior criminal charges. He has since been charged with theft and fraud by the Calgary Police, though 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 internal rot appears to have affected the players as well. Reports indicate that national players faced delayed payments of prize money from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Furthermore, the documentary claims that players were left uncontracted from July 2025 and were subsequently placed on small retainers for only four months leading up to this year’s tournament.
The ICC’s Stance and the Shadow of Organized Crime
Andrew Ephgrave, the interim General Manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, has confirmed that the ACU is aware of the CBC broadcast. While he declined to comment on the specific substance of the allegations, he emphasized the ACU’s tripartite operational framework: intelligence, prevention and education, and investigation. Ephgrave stated that these functions are applied whenever there is a credible basis to believe the integrity of the sport is at risk.
Perhaps most disturbingly, the documentary explored potential links to organized crime, citing a former player who claimed he had been threatened. On this matter, Ephgrave clarified that such threats fall outside the ACU’s remit, stating, “That very much is a domestic matter… and very much a law enforcement responsibility.”
As the investigation continues, the future of Cricket Canada hangs in the balance, with the global game watching closely to see if the organization can purge itself of these deep-seated issues.
