Players unpaid as financial and governance crisis deepens
Cricket Canada is facing mounting criticism after reportedly freezing player salaries, leaving the national men’s squad unpaid just days before critical international fixtures. According to the Toronto Sun, the controversy adds to a growing list of governance issues plaguing the board — including an active International Cricket Council (ICC) investigation and allegations of corruption.
A member of the Canadian national team, speaking anonymously, revealed that players have been discouraged from speaking publicly about the issue. “Some have been warned about talking to the press about the salaries being frozen,” he said, as quoted by Toronto Sun.
The issue reached a boiling point on August 15 when around 15 contracted players were left without payment. The timing couldn’t be worse — Canada has just started a tri-series with Scotland and Namibia in decisive one-day matches at King City, Ontario. Sitting fifth in a nine-team table, Canada must finish in the top four to retain its coveted ODI status. Losing that designation would result in reduced ICC funding and fewer international opportunities, compounding the crisis.
Executives paid while players wait, ICC freezes payments
The salary freeze appears linked to a broader financial clampdown from the ICC, which is holding back disbursements while its governance investigation unfolds. The situation worsened after it was decided that the GT20 League would not take place in 2025 — a major source of player compensation — and saw sponsorship money dry up.
Despite the cash crunch for players, PostMedia reported that top executives, including the CEO and CFO, have continued receiving their full salaries.
Sources have also indicated that Cricket Canada is not entirely without financial resources. The board is reportedlybelieved to be sitting on $4 million (approx. 2.92 million USD) in reserves, but has chosen not to use those funds to address the salary dispute at this time.
Khan’s appointment under scrutiny, denies wrongdoing
The ICC’s investigation includes a probe into how Salman Khan was elevated to CEO shortly before police in Calgary charged him in a financial fraud case dating back several years. Authorities allege that Khan, along with another local cricket official, misappropriated approximately $200,000 (approx. 146,000 USD) from league funds between 2014 and 2016.
Khan has publicly rejected the allegations and disputed media reports around the case, calling the claims false and unfounded.
Adding to the controversy, Cricket Canada also severed its long-standing relationship with Bombay Sports — owners of the GT20 franchise — and entered a new agreement with National Cricket League (NCL) Canada.
Reputation, revenue, and results at risk
The ICC’s freeze on payments may remain in place until the board’s governance issues are resolved and the investigation concludes. For now, Canada’s players remain unpaid, its leadership under scrutiny, and its international standing increasingly uncertain.
