An investigative documentary has shaken the highest level of cricket. The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit is currently examining a Canada match from the 2026 T20 World Cup and the ripple effects could go far beyond a single game.
The fixture in question is Canada’s group-stage clash against New Zealand in Chennai. From outside, it was a straightforward win by the Kiwis. New Zealand hunted down 174 in just 15.1 overs, losing only two wickets. However, the spotlight has fallen on a specific passage of play, the fifth over of the chase.
Canada had New Zealand at 35 for 2 and were surely in contention after Yuvraj Samra became the youngest player to score an ICC hundred. That’s when Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa, appointed barely three weeks before the tournament, brought himself on. The over began untidily. A no-ball, then a wide, and eventually 15 runs conceded as Rachin Ravindra smoked two boundaries off him. From there, the game slipped quickly. New Zealand never lost another wicket and cruised home.
Documentary triggers corruption probe in Canadian cricket
The investigation follows a 43-minute documentary aired by CBC, which lays out a series of allegations around Cricket Canada’s administration. The film does not limit itself to one match.
Apart from the World Cup fixture, the ICC is also looking into a separate case involving former Canada coach Khurram Chohan. A leaked phone recording allegedly captures claims of pressure from board members to pick certain players. There are also references to attempted match-fixing, although those claims remain harder to substantiate.
Another former coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, has made similar allegations. He has claimed that he was pushed to select specific players ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup and that his contract was threatened when he resisted. He is now pursuing legal action for wrongful dismissal.
The backdrop to all of this is a board that has struggled to stay stable. There have been leadership changes and even criminal charges linked to a former CEO, all of which have added to ugly scene of Canada cricket.
There are also concerns from the players’ side. Reports suggest delays in prize money payments and periods where players were left without central contracts before being placed on short-term retainers ahead of the tournament.
ICC ready to take action
“The ACU is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim General Manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement to ESPNcricinfo. “Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it. Governance matters in relation to ICC Members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the ICC’s standard constitutional processes.“
“The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit operates across three core functions: intelligence, prevention and education, and investigation. These functions operate concurrently and are applied wherever there is a credible basis to believe the integrity of the sport may be at risk.”
Allegations are on the table. Investigations are underway. But conclusions are still to be made. For Canada cricket, though, the damage may already be underway.
Cricket
T20 World Cup 2026 faces match-fixing allegations as ICC probes Canada
