International cricket’s governing body has launched a formal investigation into multiple serious corruption claims leveled against Cricket Canada, following the broadcast of an explosive investigative documentary that centered on potential match fixing during Canada’s 2024 T20 World Cup fixture against New Zealand.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) released the documentary *Corruption, Crime and Cricket* on Friday, which brought a series of alarming claims to public attention. One of the most high-profile allegations targets Canada’s national team captain Dilpreet Bajwa, specifically focusing on his performance in the fifth over of the June match against New Zealand, a fixture of the co-hosted tournament held in India and Sri Lanka.
Bajwa, 22, was only appointed to the captaincy three weeks before Canada kicked off their World Cup campaign. During the over in question, New Zealand had already lost two wickets for 35 runs when Bajwa stepped in to bowl. The captain opened the over with a no-ball, followed by a leg-side wide, before ultimately conceding 15 runs from the six deliveries. This unusual sequence of plays has now drawn formal scrutiny from the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
In an official statement provided to the Associated Press, Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s integrity unit, confirmed the regulator is aware of the allegations laid out in the CBC documentary. “Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it,” Ephgrave added, declining to share further details while the investigation is ongoing.
The match-fixing claim tied to the New Zealand fixture is not the only controversy raised in the documentary. The program also featured interviews with former Canada national team head coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who alleged that outside parties exerted improper, undue influence over team selection decisions for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.
Beyond corruption and selection interference claims, the documentary also exposed deep structural and administrative issues within Cricket Canada. It revealed that Canadian national team players did not receive their full share of 2024 T20 World Cup prize money on time, and that the entire roster went without official contracts starting in July 2024. Players were only placed on four-month retainer contracts in the lead-up to this year’s tournament, highlighting persistent financial instability for the country’s top cricket athletes.