The International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities during a match involving Canada national cricket team at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The probe follows claims raised in a documentary aired by Canadian public broadcaster CBC on 10 April. The programme, titled ‘Corruption, Crime and Cricket’, alleges governance issues within Cricket Canada and raises concerns about possible match-fixing.
According to the documentary, the match in question was Canada’s group-stage fixture against New Zealand national cricket team.
Particular attention has been drawn to the fifth over of New Zealand’s run chase, bowled by Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who had been appointed skipper just three weeks before the tournament.
Canada began with pace bowlers Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger, who conceded 15 and 14 runs respectively. Spinner Saad bin Zafar briefly applied pressure with a wicket, before Bajwa’s over included a no-ball, a wide, and ultimately went for 15 runs.
New Zealand went on to chase down a target of 174 in just 15.1 overs, losing only two wickets.
Responding to the allegations, the ICC confirmed that its integrity unit is aware of the claims but declined to comment further.
Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ACU, said:
“The ACU is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC. In line with our procedures, we are not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations.”
He added that governance matters related to ICC members are handled under the organisation’s constitutional processes, while the ACU continues to operate across intelligence, prevention, education and investigation.
The development has raised fresh concerns about the integrity of the sport, particularly at major global tournaments. However, no formal charges have been announced, and investigations remain ongoing.
The ICC reiterated that action is only taken where there is credible evidence that the integrity of the game may have been compromised.
