Cricket Canada CEO Salman Khan is facing criminal charges in Canada over allegations related to financial misconduct in the Calgary & District Cricket League, and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Khan has denied any wrongdoing and claims reports of his arrest are “completely false.”
Khan assumed the role of President of the Alberta Cricket Association in 2022. He became CEO of Cricket Canada in early January of this year.
Charges
According to a charging document filed by Calgary authorities, Khan, along with co-accused Syed Wajahat Ali, the former treasurer, has been charged with two criminal offenses related to financial irregularities in the Calgary & District Cricket League between 2014 and 2016. The charges include:
- Theft over $5,000: Unlawfully stealing money exceeding $5,000 from the Calgary & District Cricket League, contrary to Section 334(a) of the Canadian Criminal Code.
- Fraud over $5,000: Deceitfully or fraudulently depriving the league of funds exceeding $5,000, contrary to Section 380(1)(A) of the Criminal Code.
The document, dated March 3, 2025, indicates that the case will proceed in Calgary.
Detailed allegations
Calgary police detailed the allegations, as reported by Canada’s CTV News stating that the two accused were involved in “managing the league’s finances and allegedly moved funds from the league’s accounts for personal use.”
“The funds were misappropriated through cheque payments to construction businesses and contractors, which the former treasurer and former president, or their immediate family members, had connections to,” said police officials on Wednesday in a press release.
These payments were meant to be for repairs and upgrades to Calgary & District Cricket League facilities. However, according to the charges, such work was either “never completed or was done to a substandard quality using inferior products.”
“Additionally, the costs for the work were highly inflated,” police said. Authorities reported that approximately CAN $200,000 was misappropriated over the three-year period.
Khan’s Response
Following media reports on the charges, Khan released a statement on the Alberta Cricket Association’s Facebook page rejecting allegations that he had been arrested. He stated:
“I see many fake and self-created posts circulating around, and I want to set the record straight. First of all, these are all fake. I have never been arrested, detained, or on any bail. These claims are completely false, and those spreading these rumors will have to answer for it.
Here’s the truth: A police complaint was filed against me more than 7 years ago. A police investigator approached me and said he wanted to hear my side of the story and see the evidence I have to defend myself. He told me that if I didn’t provide my side, he would proceed with charges. I told him I would visit after Ramadan, but he didn’t want to wait and decided to post charges without even hearing my side or my evidence.
Let me make this clear: They have nothing to prove against me—in 7 years they were not able to proof anything in the civil case, and certainly not in any criminal case. I have over 21 transcripts, with the complainant even admitting that everything was false.
I am not worried at all. I’m ready to fight just like I’ve been doing for the past 8 years. To everyone spreading false information—I’m not going anywhere. Do what you want, go to whoever you need to, but you won’t be able to move me an inch. I’ve been prepared for this, and I’ll finish it soon. Just wait and watch.
To those who have been calling and messaging me—thank you for your concern and support. But you know me, they started it, and I will finish it. 💪”
Cricket Canada’s Position
Cricket Canada has yet to issue an official statement regarding the charges against its CEO. The governing body will now likely face mounting pressure from stakeholders, including national and regional cricket organizations, to respond to the situation and clarify its stance.
Broader Implications
This development raises significant questions about governance and financial accountability within Canadian cricket administration. Cricket Canada, which oversees the sport’s development in the country, is already navigating a pivotal period as cricket grows in North America, particularly with the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Cricket Canada is also facing a pending case filed by former Men’s Team Head Coach Pubudu Dassanayake for wrongful dismissal, which is scheduled to go before a mediator.
As Khan’s case unfolds, it remains to be seen how Cricket Canada will address the situation and whether Khan will continue in his leadership role amid the legal proceedings.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
