Allegations surface over Dilpreet Bajwa’s over vs New Zealand in explosive documentary

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an investigation into serious corruption allegations involving Cricket Canada, with a particular focus on a match from the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka.

The probe by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) follows claims made in a Canadian investigative documentary titled “Corruption, Crime and Cricket”, produced by CBC’s programme the fifth estate. The film highlights multiple allegations related to governance issues, match-fixing concerns, and internal mismanagement within Cricket Canada.

One of the central allegations revolves around Canada’s T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand national cricket team. The spotlight is on the fifth over of New Zealand’s run chase, bowled by Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa. Bajwa, who had been appointed captain just weeks before the tournament, delivered a costly over that included a no-ball and a wide, conceding 15 runs. The over has been flagged in the documentary as suspicious, raising concerns about potential breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

According to reports, the ICC ACU is currently conducting two separate investigations — one into alleged corruption during international matches, including the T20 World Cup fixture, and another into governance and integrity breaches within domestic cricket structures in Canada. While the ICC has acknowledged awareness of the documentary, it has refrained from commenting on specific allegations. Andrew Ephgrave, interim General Manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, stated that investigations are initiated when there is credible evidence suggesting a risk to the sport’s integrity.

The documentary also presents claims from former Canada coach Khurram Chohan, who alleges that board members pressured him to select certain players. A leaked phone recording related to these claims is already under ACU investigation. Former head coach Pubudu Dassanayake has made similar allegations, stating that he was threatened with termination if he did not comply with selection demands for the 2024 T20 World Cup, and he is currently pursuing legal action for wrongful dismissal.

Cricket Canada has also faced administrative instability over the past year. The controversial appointment of former CEO Salman Khan drew scrutiny from the ICC due to undisclosed criminal charges. Khan has since been charged with fraud and theft by Calgary Police, although he denies the allegations. Recently, Arvinder Khosa was elected as the new board president, replacing Amjad Bajwa, in an effort to stabilise governance within the organisation.

The situation has further worsened with reports of delayed payments to players from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Additionally, players were reportedly left without contracts for a period before being placed on minimal retainers ahead of the 2025 tournament. The documentary also explores alleged links to organised crime, including claims from a former player who said he was threatened. However, the ICC clarified that such matters fall outside the ACU’s jurisdiction and are the responsibility of local law enforcement agencies.

As the ICC continues its investigation, the controversy surrounding Cricket Canada raises serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the integrity of international cricket, with potential long-term implications for the sport in Canada.