ICC to investigate the match-fixing allegations in the T20 World Cup 2026
The allegations of match fixing have resurfaced in cricket. According to a report, Cricket Canada is currently under investigation for allegedly violating the ICC's anti-corruption regulations, a situation that has caused the spectre of match-fixing to loom once again. According to reports, this matter pertains to the recently concluded 2026 T20 World Cup, which was hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
A Canadian investigative program titled “The Fifth Estate” released a documentary titled "Corruption, Crime, and Cricket," which provides detailed information regarding these allegations.
According to the documentary, this incident occurred during the New Zealand vs Canada group stage match played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. An over bowled by Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa during Canada's T20 World Cup match against New Zealand has come under scrutiny.
Specifically, batting first, Canada posted a challenging total of 173 runs. While defending this target, Captain Dilpreet Bajwa handed the ball to Jaskaran Singh and Dillon Heyliger; however, New Zealand scored 29 runs within just two overs. Jaskaran Singh conceded 14 runs in the first over, while Heyliger gave away 15 runs in the second. Subsequently, in the third over, the ball was entrusted to Saad Bin Zafar, who took one wicket while conceding only one run. Similarly, in the fourth over, Dillon Heyliger claimed a wicket while conceding five runs. However, for the fifth over, instead of Saad Bin Zafar, Dilpreet Bajwa himself stepped up to bowl. He conceded 15 runs in the over, which included a no-ball and a delivery bowled down the leg side that resulted in two wide runs.
In addition to the controversial over, the ICC is also investigating a recorded telephone call involving former Canada coach Khurram Chauhan. Alleging misconduct against certain senior members of Cricket Canada, Chauhan has stated that senior officials on the Cricket Canada board pressured him to select specific players for the national team. He further claimed that attempts were also made to fix matches. Another former coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, has alleged that he was threatened with the termination of his contract after refusing to select certain specific players for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.
The ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit has acknowledged the existence of this documentary but has declined to comment on these specific allegations, citing its operational protocols.
“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," Ephgrave said.
