Shooting outside the home of Cricket Canada’s new president amid corruption scandal and ICC funding freeze

Shootings at the home of Cricket Canada’s new president (Image: Cricket Canada) Gunshots rang out at the residence of Cricket Canada president-elect Arvinder Khosa early Wednesday morning in a chilling incident that further deepened the crisis gripping Canadian cricket.According to CBC reports, Khosa’s home in the Newton district of Surrey was targeted around 4:40 a.m. local time when the home was occupied. Fortunately, there were no injuries, although visible bullet holes were found in the doors, windows and exterior walls of the building. Local police said the shooting was likely related to an extortion-related investigation. Surrey Police Media Liaison Officer Sergeant Ali Gailus confirmed that a person associated with the residence had allegedly been threatened with blackmail prior to the attack.Surrey Police said the investigation is in its early stages, but the shooting is believed to be related to extortion. “An individual associated with the residence that was shot this morning has received threats related to extortion,” Sergeant Ali Gailus, media relations officer, told the Fifth Estate in an email. The incident came barely days after Khosa officially assumed the role of Cricket Canada president following the board’s annual general meeting in Mississauga on May 9. He previously served as interim president after a court-ordered leadership vote replaced former president Amjad Bajwa.However, Khosa’s appointment has already been overshadowed by serious allegations surrounding Cricket Canada’s administration and alleged links to organized crime networks. A CBC Fifth Estate investigation recently uncovered claims that individuals allegedly linked to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang intimidated members in Canadian cricket circles ahead of the T20 World Cup.Controversy deepened after reports emerged that players and officials were forced to support the late appointment of Dilpreet Bajwa as captain ahead of the World Cup. Investigators are also looking into suspicious activity during Canada’s T20 World Cup match against New Zealand in Chennai, where there were unusual wides and no balls during a crucial issue that raised concerns about spot-fixing. In addition to allegations of corruption, Cricket Canada is also facing allegations of financial irregularities and administrative malpractices. The ICC reportedly froze Cricket Canada’s funding for six months after concerns about integrity and financial disclosure issues. With ICC funding making up a significant portion of Cricket Canada’s operating income, the suspension has placed severe financial pressure on the organization.This is also not the first violent episode associated with the record. Earlier this year, the Calgary home of a former Cricket Canada board member was targeted in two separate shooting incidents, forcing the official to temporarily relocate his family before eventually stepping down from the board. While investigators have found no connection between the Calgary and Surrey shootings.