The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an investigation into Cricket Canada for alleged breaches of its anti-corruption code, including the control of Canada’s World T20 match against New Zealand in Chennai on 17 February.
Match at MA Chidambaram Stadium, which Canada lost by eight wicketscame under the scrutiny of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) following allegations made in a recently aired documentary.
Canada posted a competitive 173/4 after electing to bat. However, New Zealand comfortably chased down the target in just 15.1 overs, powered by unbeaten knocks from Glenn Phillips (59 for 39) and Rachin Ravindra (76 for 36), securing their place at the Super Eight stage.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the ACU is currently looking into several allegations linked to Cricket Canada, including “two active investigations” involving both international matches and domestic cricket.
The allegations came to light in a 43-minute documentary called Corruption, Crime and Cricket, produced by Canada’s fifth estate investigative program and aired by the CBC. The film outlines extensive allegations related to corruption and governance issues in Canadian cricket.
One of the focal points of the investigation is the fifth pursuit in New Zealand Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa. Bajwa, who was named skipper just three weeks before the tournament, conceded 15 runs in an over that included a no-ball and a wide after starting with New Zealand at 35/2.
Responding to the development, Andrew Ephgrave, interim director general of the ICC’s integrity department, said the ACU could not comment on the substance of the allegations.
“In accordance with its established operating procedures, the ACU is unable to comment on the substance of any allegations,” Ephgrave said. “The unit operates in the areas of intelligence, prevention, education and investigation and acts wherever there is a credible risk to the integrity of the sport.”
The second line of inquiry concerns a leaked phone recording of former Canada coach Khurram Chohan, in which he allegedly claims he was pressured by senior board members to select certain players. The tape also contains claims of attempted match-fixing, although these are still difficult to confirm.
Former head coach Pubudu Dassanayake also made similar allegations, saying he faced pressure to select the team ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2024. Dassanayake is currently suing Cricket Canada for wrongful dismissal.
The controversy comes amid ongoing administrative instability within Cricket Canada. The board has undergone several leadership changes over the past year, including the appointment and subsequent removal of former CEO Salman Khan, whose hiring has already sparked ICC scrutiny over non-disclosure of previous criminal charges.
Khan has since been charged with theft and fraud by Calgary police, charges he has denied. Earlier this month, he replaced Amjad Bajwa as chairman Arvinder Khosa.
The ICC investigation continues.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
17 Apr 2026 14:31 IST
