The city of Brampton proudly showcased its mayor, Patrick Brown, along with a host of councillors at the launch of the inaugural National Cricket League 20 (NCL20), scheduled to take place from July 16 to August 1. However, the celebration was overshadowed by a major development: the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially frozen funding to Cricket Canada for the next six months.
This drastic decision stems from severe governance failures, inaccurate financial disclosures, and ongoing match-fixing investigations. The new committee, led by Arvinder Khosa, has been in power for less than a month and must now address these inherited issues. The previous committee, headed by Amjad Bajwa, left behind a legacy of mismanagement. Khosa's team has already established a clear action plan to deliver necessary reforms, focusing on proactive leadership, structured governance, transparency, and accountability.
The ICC also flagged Cricket Canada for submitting inaccurate budget estimates. The board continued to list funding from Sport Canada as guaranteed income on its balance sheets, despite the Canadian government having completely withdrawn that financial support. Furthermore, the board concealed extensive legal costs, with court documents revealing that they spent up to $460,000 on internal litigation—far exceeding what was declared to the ICC.
NCL20 Launches Amid Uncertainty
Meanwhile, the NCL20, under the leadership of president Arun Agarwal, is hosting a Twenty20 league after a year's hiatus at the CAA Centre. Brampton has promoted itself as the cricket capital of Canada, but the launch event had a notable omission: the Cricket Canada logo was missing from the poster featuring the six competing teams. Agarwal dismissed this as an oversight and promised it would be corrected.
When asked why the previous league, Global T20 (GT20), was being replaced by NCL20, Agarwal explained that it was a new start and a new game moving forward. However, what Agarwal and his backers did not mention to the media was that the NCL20 had not yet received sanction from the ICC. Reached by phone in Texas, Agarwal expressed confidence that positive news would come from the ICC. He stated that prior to submitting the formal application, there were constructive discussions where they presented their vision, structure, and long-term plans. The response was positive, and they continue to work closely through the process.
Impact of No ICC Sanction
Without ICC approval, the league will essentially lack international stars, reducing it to an amateur event. However, Agarwal is determined to proceed regardless. The six teams include the Brampton Blazers, Mississauga Skyhawks, Montreal Tigers, Surrey Fraser, Toronto Titans, and Vancouver Guardians. Notably, the Brampton Blazers will be managed by the West Indies Cricket Board, whose CEO Chris Dehring attended the launch. Dehring confirmed that the squad will feature up-and-coming West Indian players and possibly a couple of senior stars, providing valuable experience for youngsters.
Agarwal emphasized his long-term goal of seeing Canadian players become the stars of the league, rather than relying on overseas talent. As teams fill their rosters, Agarwal's management team has begun erecting a temporary stadium behind the CAA Centre, a project costing approximately $1.2 million. The curator visited the field to prepare the wicket, and construction is underway.
Previous owners Bombay Sports, who ran the GT20, had complained about the cost of the temporary stadium and were working with local firms to build a permanent facility. However, Cricket Canada cut ties with Bombay Sports, leading to legal action. Bombay Sports is one of several entities that have sued the previous Cricket Canada committee, and all are awaiting court decisions. Another highly anticipated case involves the wrongful dismissal claim by former national coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who now coaches the U.S. national team.
