The International Cricket Council said Friday it is investigating Cricket Canada over allegations of match corruption, including the team’s loss to New Zealand in the recent T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The match in Chennai – which Canada lost by eight wickets – is under scrutiny after allegations of corruption were highlighted in a documentary broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Thursday.
“The ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) is aware of the program broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim director general of the ICC’s integrity unit, said in a statement.
The public broadcaster’s documentary made wide-ranging allegations of corruption and bad governance against Canada Cricket.
In the Chennai game, suspicion centers on captain Dilpreet Bajwa’s fifth over bowling during New Zealand’s chase, according to the ESPN Cricinfo website.
He started with a no-ball, bowled a wide and conceded 15 runs in the over.
Canada scored 173 for four wickets in 20 overs while New Zealand responded with 176 for two in 15.1 overs.
The ICC, the game’s world governing body, is also investigating a phone call involving then-Canadian coach Khurram Chohan in which he alleged that senior board members of Cricket Canada pressured him to select certain players, it said.
“Governance matters relating to ICC members, where they fall within its jurisdiction, will be considered by the ICC in accordance with the ICC’s standard constitutional processes,” Ephgrave said.
Cricket Canada said it was treating the matter with “utmost importance.”
“Current promotional material relates to allegations relating to organized crime and match-fixing – issues that Cricket Canada takes extremely seriously,” the organization said on its website.
“When matters are raised, we are committed to reviewing them responsibly and taking appropriate action if necessary.”
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