T20 World Cup 2026 in India hit by match-fixing scandal as ICC opens probe against Cricket Canada: Report

The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly launched an investigation into allegations of corruption involving Cricket Canada. The focus is on a match involving the Canadian national side, which they played in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

The alleged corruption came to light after public broadcaster CBC aired an investigative documentary titled 'Corruption, Crime and Cricket' on Friday. The film levels corruption allegations against Canada during their T20 World Cup group-stage match-up against New Zealand, which was played in Chennai.

Notably, the fifth over, bowled by Canada skipper Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand's chase, is under scrutiny. Bajwa was appointed team captain just three weeks before the marquee ICC tournament kicked off.

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What happened during the Canada match?

While defending 173 against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Canada started with pacers Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger, who conceded 35 runs in two overs. They introduced spin in the third over, bringing in Saad Bin Zafar, who bowled a wicket maiden.

Pacer Dilon Heylinger delivered the fourth over, conceding five runs and picking up a wicket before captain Dilpreet Bajwa came in to the attack. He started his spell with a no-ball and then a wide down the leg side, conceding 15 runs in the over. 

It is this Bajwa over that is under scrutiny.

The ICC is also investigating a telephone call recording involving then-Canada coach Khurram Chohan, who claimed that then-senior Cricket Canada board members had pressured him to select certain players for the national team. The audio recording also contains claims of match-fixing attempts.

ICC issues straightforward response

Andrew Ephgrave, interim General Manager of the ICC's Integrity Unit, has issued a statement to ESPNcricinfo following the corruption allegations becoming public. He said that the ACU is aware of the investigative documentary aired by CBC, but refused to make any comment.

"The ACU is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC. Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it," Andrew Ephgrave said.

Ephgrave also clarified that the ICC is handling the governance issues involving ICC members through its constitutional procedures and reaffirmed the ACU’s core responsibilities.