The cricket world woke up to a storm as International Cricket Council launched an investigation into spot-fixing allegations involving Canada during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played in India and Sri Lanka, after reports linked a mafia group to a controversial match in Chennai.
The match in question saw New Zealand cruise past Canada. On paper, it looked routine. On closer inspection, it raised eyebrows.
Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa now sits at the centre of the storm. The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit has already questioned him and searched his phone. That tells you everything about how seriously they take this.
Reports from Canadian outlet CBC point towards a darker layer. They claim a mafia group, allegedly linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, influenced decisions within Canada cricket. That accusation alone shifts this from a sporting issue to something far more sinister.
The suspicion centres on one over. Bajwa delivered a costly spell that included a no-ball and wayward deliveries. In isolation, that happens in cricket. Under scrutiny, it becomes evidence.
The timing also raises questions. Bajwa took over the captaincy just weeks before the World Cup. Reports suggest external pressure played a role in that decision. If true, that is not just poor governance. That is a system under siege.
The CBC report claims threats targeted players and their families. It paints a picture where selection and leadership decisions did not stay inside the dressing room. That crosses a line cricket cannot afford to blur.
Cricket Canada president Arvind Khosa has denied the allegations and called them politically motivated.
Either way, the ICC now carries the burden of proof. Their investigation will need to cut through noise, politics, and fear.
