Safe Sport Commission enforces ban following serious complaints
The Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) is facing a major leadership crisis after its Chief Executive Officer, Saad Khan Janjua, was suspended from coaching for one year by Singapore’s Safe Sport Commission over allegations of mental and verbal abuse.
In addition to the coaching ban, Khan has also been suspended from administrative duties pending the completion of an “educational intervention” mandated by the Commission.
The information about Janjua’s case is available on the Safe Sport Commission website, specifically in its disciplinary database.
According to The Monitor Singapore (TMSG), multiple complaints were filed against Khan, alleging a sustained pattern of psychological and verbal mistreatment. The details shared by players—who spoke on condition of anonymity—paint a disturbing picture of what they described as “systematic mental and verbal abuse.”
“Tip of the iceberg”: anonymous players speak out
“There are many other terms which have been used which should not have been used on any player, especially in a country like Singapore,” said one player.
Among the slurs allegedly directed at players were deeply offensive terms including “BLACKIE,” “BLACK DUSTBIN,” and “F***ER.”
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” one individual said. “This needs to be made public so that there is change within the sport of cricket in Singapore.”
Players indicated that the Safe Sport Commission’s ruling reflects the validity of their complaints. The SCA, however, has yet to issue any public comment, either on its website or via social media.
Janjua may appeal ruling within 14 days
TMSG reports that Khan, a Pakistani-born Singaporean citizen, has 14 days to file an appeal against the Commission’s decision. It is currently unknown whether he intends to do so.
Notably, in addition to his role as CEO, Khan is also listed as the Director of Coaching for the SCA on his LinkedIn profile, suggesting a significant overlap between his executive and coaching responsibilities within the organization.
From cricket journeyman to Singapore captain and CEO
Before transitioning into cricket administration, Saad Khan Janjua enjoyed a long, albeit journeyman-style, playing career in both Pakistan and Singapore.
Born in Lahore in 1973, Khan played 26 first-class matches in Pakistan for teams such as Lahore City, Pakistan Customs, Islamabad, and Khan Research Laboratories. As a right-arm medium pacer, he claimed 77 wickets at an average of 26.38, including two five-wicket hauls.
He also played 25 List A matches, scoring 378 runs at an average of 27.00, and took 24 wickets with best figures of 3/28. His brief stint in English domestic cricket included appearances for the Essex Cricket Board in the 2003 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy.
In 2009, he debuted internationally for Singapore and later captained the national team. Khan was a key figure in Singapore cricket’s rise through the ICC World Cricket League and ACC tournaments, playing a central role both on and off the field.
Fallout comes after Singapore hosted high-profile ICC event
The suspension comes at a time when Singapore cricket has been striving to elevate its global standing. Just this past July, Singapore played host to the 2025 ICC Annual General Meeting—a landmark event for the nation’s cricket ambitions.
Now, with its top executive under suspension and allegations of abuse making headlines, the sport’s governing body in Singapore faces growing pressure to address governance, culture, and accountability at the highest levels.
What’s next for Singapore cricket?
With no official response yet from the SCA, the broader cricket community in Singapore is watching closely. The controversy has cast a shadow over the Association’s efforts to professionalize and globalize the sport in the country.
As more voices from within the sport come forward, this case could mark a pivotal moment—not just for the individuals involved, but for how cricket in Singapore is governed, coached, and held accountable.
