DUBAI (Kashmir English): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Friday said that it is investigating Cricket Canada over allegations of match corruption, including the team’s loss to New Zealand at the recent T20 World Cup jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The game in Chennai — which Canada lost to New Zealand by eight wickets — is under ICC scrutiny following allegations of corruption highlighted in a documentary aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Thursday.
“The ACU (anti-corruption unit) is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement.
The public broadcaster documentary made wide-ranging accusations of corruption and poor governance against Canada Cricket.
T20 World Cup game
In the Chennai game, the fifth over bowled by captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase is under ICC scrutiny, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Bajwa started with a no-ball, bowled a wide, and ended up conceding 15 runs in the over.
Canada scored 173 for four wickets in 20 overs, while New Zealand replied with 176 for two off 15.1 overs.
The game’s world governing body is also investigating a telephone call involving then Canada coach Khurram Chohan in which he claims that senior Cricket Canada board members put pressure on him to select certain players, it said.
“Governance matters in relation to ICC Members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the ICC’s standard constitutional processes,” Ephgrave said.
Cricket Canada said it was treating the matter with “utmost importance”.
“Recent promotional material alludes to allegations related to organised crime and match-fixing — issues that Cricket Canada takes extremely seriously,” the organisation said on its website.
“Where matters are raised, we are committed to reviewing them responsibly and taking appropriate steps as needed.”
