The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an investigation into Cricket Canada over alleged breaches of its anti-corruption code, including scrutiny of Canada’s T20 World Cup match against New Zealand in Chennai on February 17.
The game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, which Canada lost by eight wickets, has come under the scanner of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) following allegations raised in a recently aired documentary.
Canada, after opting to bat, posted a competitive 173/4. However, New Zealand chased down the target comfortably in just 15.1 overs, powered by unbeaten knocks from Glenn Phillips (59 off 39) and Rachin Ravindra (76 off 36), sealing their place in the Super Eight stage.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ACU is currently examining multiple allegations linked to Cricket Canada, including “two active investigations” spanning both international fixtures and domestic cricket.
The allegations were brought to light in a 43-minute documentary titled Corruption, Crime and Cricket, produced by Canadian investigative programme the fifth estate and aired by CBC. The film outlines wide-ranging claims related to corruption and governance issues within Canadian cricket.
One of the focal points of the investigation is the fifth over of New Zealand’s chase, bowled by Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa. Appointed skipper just three weeks before the tournament, Bajwa conceded 15 runs in the over, which included a no-ball and a wide, after coming on with New Zealand at 35/2.
Responding to the developments, Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said the ACU could not comment on the substance of the allegations.
“Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations,” Ephgrave said. “The unit operates across intelligence, prevention, education and investigation, and acts wherever there is a credible risk to the integrity of the sport.”
A second line of investigation relates to a leaked phone recording involving former Canada coach Khurram Chohan, in which he allegedly claims that senior board members pressured him to select certain players. The recording also includes claims of attempted match-fixing, though these remain difficult to corroborate.
Former head coach Pubudu Dassanayake has also made similar allegations, stating that he faced pressure over team selection ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dassanayake is currently suing Cricket Canada for wrongful dismissal.
The controversy comes amid ongoing administrative instability within Cricket Canada. The board has undergone multiple leadership changes over the past year, including the appointment and subsequent removal of former CEO Salman Khan, whose hiring had already drawn ICC scrutiny over non-disclosure of prior criminal charges.
Khan has since been charged with theft and fraud by Calgary Police, allegations he has denied. Earlier this month, Arvinder Khosa replaced Amjad Bajwa as board president.
The ICC investigation is ongoing.
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