Explosive recording sparks ICC probe in Toronto
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched a major anti-corruption investigation in Canada, after receiving a 58-minute audio recording that allegedly reveals match-fixing, illegal betting, and board interference within Cricket Canada. The ICC’s anti-corruption unit landed in Toronto this week to probe allegations implicating current and former board members, with alleged ties to bookmakers in India and Pakistan.
The recording, shared with the ICC by a dismissed Cricket Canada insider, is believed to contain conversations in Punjabi where board members are instructed on team selections by offshore gambling operators. These instructions were reportedly conveyed to then-interim coach Khurum Rashid Chohan, who allegedly resisted the manipulation before being dismissed upon the team’s return from the World Cup qualifiers in the U.S.
Match-fixing claims and board interference
The ICC’s investigation intensified after the whistleblower was terminated by Cricket Canada instead of being protected. This act raised red flags about the organization’s governance and transparency.
According to the recording, Chohan was pressured by three board members to drop a bowler despite favorable pitch conditions, a move that lacked cricketing rationale. Chohan was removed soon after and replaced by Ingleton Liburd, Cricket Canada’s general manager and a former international cricketer.
Chohan, when contacted by media, confirmed his firing, stating: “Ingleton will coach the team in next week’s matches. Call me back in 15 minutes and I will talk to you.” He did not return further calls.
Governance issues and past coaching conflicts
This is not the first time Cricket Canada has faced criticism. Since 2023, the ICC has been monitoring the board, especially after the appointment of CEO Salman Khan, who was previously charged by Calgary Police with theft and fraud over $5,000 during his leadership of the Calgary and District Cricket League.
Former national coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who guided Canada to World Cup qualification, accused the board of interfering in player selections. “I honestly believe our team could have made it to the second round, but with five players added without my knowledge, it became difficult,” he said.
Dassanayake, who claimed that 90% of his selected squad was replaced, was later fired and has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, still pending in court. He is now the head coach of the U.S. national team.
Cricket Canada also approached Dav Whatmore, a World Cup-winning coach with Sri Lanka, to lead the team. However, Whatmore declined the offer, citing instability within the organization, and later accepted a role with Malaysia’s national setup.
Off-field controversy adds to pressure
Controversy continues to mount as Canada’s national captain Nicholas Kirton was arrested in Barbados two months ago for allegedly possessing 20 pounds of cannabis. He was later released on bail, and Navneet Dhaliwal stepped in as captain for the U.S. series.
In a surprise move, Kirton was reinstated as captain for the upcoming four-nation tournament in King City against Bermuda, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. The tournament winner will qualify for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
With match-fixing, whistleblower terminations, leadership controversies, and criminal cases involving top players, the ICC’s investigation could signal a crucial reckoning for cricket governance in Canada. The sport’s future in the country may hinge on how Cricket Canada responds to these deepening scandals.
