The International Cricket Council (ICC) has initiated a probe into Cricket Canada for suspected violations of its anti-corruption regulations, specifically focusing on Canada’s T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand in Chennai on February 17. This match, where Canada suffered an eight-wicket loss, is under scrutiny by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) following allegations raised in a recent documentary.
During the game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Canada, batting first, posted a competitive score of 173/4. However, New Zealand comfortably chased down the target in just 15.1 overs, led by unbeaten innings from Glenn Phillips (59 off 39) and Rachin Ravindra (76 off 36), securing their spot in the Super Eight stage.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the ACU is currently investigating multiple claims related to Cricket Canada, including “two active probes” covering both international matches and domestic cricket. These allegations surfaced in a 43-minute documentary titled Corruption, Crime and Cricket, produced by the fifth estate, a Canadian investigative program aired by CBC, outlining various corruption and governance issues within Canadian cricket.
A significant focus of the inquiry is the fifth over of New Zealand’s chase, bowled by Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa. Appointed as captain just three weeks before the tournament, Bajwa conceded 15 runs in the over, including a no-ball and a wide, with New Zealand at 35/2.
In response to the situation, Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, stated that the ACU could not provide details on the allegations due to operational procedures. Ephgrave emphasized that the unit works on intelligence, prevention, education, and investigation to address credible threats to the sport’s integrity.
Another aspect under investigation involves a leaked phone conversation involving former Canada coach Khurram Chohan, alleging that senior board members pressured him to select specific players. The recording also includes mentions of attempted match-fixing, although verifying these claims has proven challenging. Former head coach Pubudu Dassanayake has echoed similar accusations, claiming pressure on team selection before the 2024 T20 World Cup and is currently in a legal dispute with Cricket Canada for wrongful termination.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of administrative turmoil within Cricket Canada, marked by multiple changes in leadership, including the hiring and subsequent dismissal of former CEO Salman Khan, whose appointment had previously raised ICC concerns due to undisclosed prior criminal charges. Khan, facing theft and fraud charges by Calgary Police, has refuted the allegations. Recently, Arvinder Khosa succeeded Amjad Bajwa as the board president.
The ICC’s investigation into the matter is ongoing.