The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating corruption allegations linked to Cricket Canada, including one claim tied to Canada’s match against New Zealand at the men’s T20 World Cup.
The fresh claims surfaced in a Canadian documentary aired on Friday, which alleged that a specific over bowled by Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase is now under scrutiny.
According to the report, the investigation is focused on the fifth over of the innings. Bajwa, who had been made captain shortly before the tournament, came on to bowl with New Zealand at 35-2. He started the over with a no-ball, followed it with a wide, and ended up conceding 15 runs.
Canada had opened with pace but switched to spin early after an expensive start. The timing of Bajwa’s over and the manner in which it unfolded has now become part of the wider corruption probe.
The ICC’s integrity unit said it was aware of the programme and confirmed it could not comment on the substance of any ongoing matters. It added that its anti-corruption work covers intelligence, education, prevention and investigations whenever there is a credible threat to the game’s integrity.
A separate investigation is also underway over a leaked phone call involving former Canada coach Khurram Chohan. In that recording, Chohan allegedly claimed that senior board officials pressured him to pick certain players for the national team.
The audio also included claims about attempted match-fixing, although those accusations are said to be harder to support with firm evidence.
The documentary also featured former coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who made similar allegations about outside influence in team selection ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. He has reportedly taken legal action against Cricket Canada over wrongful dismissal.
Cricket Canada has remained under pressure in recent months due to governance issues and internal instability. The board has already faced controversy over leadership changes, delayed payments to players and questions over contracts and retainers.
The documentary also raised claims involving threats and alleged links to organized crime, although the ICC official said such matters fall outside the ACU’s authority and would instead be for domestic law enforcement agencies to handle.
Source: ESPNCricinfo