ICC Probes Corruption Allegations Linked to Cricket Canada Following Documentary Claims

Cricket’s global governing body has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption involving Cricket Canada, after claims were aired in a televised documentary that also referenced a match from this year’s T20 World Cup.

The documentary, “Corruption, Crime and Cricket,” produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and broadcast on Friday, raised concerns about potential irregularities surrounding Canada’s game against New Zealand during the tournament.

Central to the allegations is Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa, whose performance in a key over has reportedly drawn the attention of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Bajwa, 22, was appointed captain just three weeks before the competition, which was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to the documentary, scrutiny focused on the fifth over of New Zealand’s innings. With New Zealand at 35 for 2, Bajwa began the over with a no-ball, followed by a wide delivery down the leg side, and ultimately conceded 15 runs in total.

Responding to the broadcast, Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s integrity unit, confirmed that the ACU is aware of the allegations but declined to comment further.

“The ACU is aware of the program broadcast by CBC,” Ephgrave said in a statement. “Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it.”

Beyond the match in question, the documentary also highlighted broader concerns about governance within Cricket Canada. Former national team coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who appeared in the program, alleged that there was undue external influence on team selection decisions during the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The ICC has not indicated a timeline for the investigation, and no formal charges have been announced.