Cricket Canada suspended over corruption allegations

Explosive allegations from CBC's investigative unit, the Fifth Estate, detailed corruption within Cricket Canada, including accusations that senior members ordered elements of matches to be fixed and that certain players were unfairly promoted. One national team member reported receiving death threats if they did not cooperate. The sophistication of sports betting has allowed for wagers on specific game errors or batting orders, potentially facilitating match-fixing.

Reporting suggests a connection between the corruption allegations and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a syndicate run from an Indian prison cell. Bishnoi has been linked to killings and attempted assassinations in Canada, including the murders of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala. Canada's federal government has designated the Bishnoi gang a terrorist entity, citing its use of violence for extortion and intimidation, and alleging links to India's ruling government.

Despite the suspension, Canadian teams will still be eligible to compete in sanctioned events to ensure players are not penalized. Cricket Canada will have limited access to financial resources for its national teams under ICC oversight. The ICC will provide a set of reinstatement conditions that Cricket Canada must meet to the satisfaction of the ICC's board.