ICC ACU investigates corruption (ICC Image) The International Cricket Council (ICC) is aware of an investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the Canadian cricket team’s match during the 2026 FIFA T20 World Cup, raising fresh concerns about the tournament’s integrity.According to ESPNcricnfo, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has an active investigation against Cricket Canada for violating the ICC Anti-Corruption Code at the international level. The existence of the allegations emerged in the documentary “Corruption, Crime and Cricket” produced by the Canadian investigative documentary program Five Estate. The 43-minute film, aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Friday, makes sweeping allegations of corruption and governance at Canada Cricket.
What is the problem?
The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is probing the group stage match involving Canada and New Zealand at the 2026 T20 World Cup. The focus of the investigation turned to the fifth over of New Zealand’s chase when Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa came into the attack. Bajwa was just 22 at the time and was named captain barely three weeks before the tournament.Bajwa, an off-spin batting all-rounder, came on with New Zealand placed at 35 for 2. Canada started with pace through Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger, but the duo conceded 15 and 14 runs in their opening overs. In response, Canada turned to spin as early as the third over, with Saad bin Zafar taking the wicket. Heyliger then struck in the fourth over to keep Canada in the contest. However, the momentum shifted in the fifth over. Bajwa started with a no-ball, followed it up with a wide leg edge and ended up conceding 15 runs, an over that has now come under control.In a statement to ESPNcricinfo, Andrew Ephgrave, interim director general of the ICC’s integrity unit, said:“The ACU is aware of the program broadcast by the CBC. In accordance with its established operating procedures, the ACU cannot comment on the substance of any allegations contained therein. Governance matters relating to ICC members are handled by the ICC where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with its standard constitutional procedures.”He further added:“The ICC’s anti-corruption unit operates in three core functions, intelligence, prevention and education and investigation. These functions run concurrently and are applied wherever there is a credible basis to believe that the integrity of the sport may be at risk.”
