Cricket Canada is facing serious allegations of sabotaging its own national team's World Cup preparations for the second consecutive tournament, with board members accused of preferential treatment, financial mismanagement, and undermining coaching staff.
History Repeating Itself
The pattern of interference first emerged during the 2024 World Twenty20 Cup when then-coach Pubudu Dassanayake experienced direct board intervention. After Canada's stunning victory over Test nation Ireland, Dassanayake was informed by the Cricket Canada board that new players were being forced into the squad with an ultimatum: play them or be fired.
In an exclusive interview with Postmedia, Dassanayake revealed he felt handcuffed by the board's decision. All that hard work was being destroyed he stated, reflecting on the meticulous preparation that went into selecting his optimal squad. The coach was subsequently fired upon returning to Canada after the tournament.
Current Crisis Deepens
With the national squad preparing for the 2026 World Cup in India, concerns are mounting that similar interference is occurring. Players with connections to board members are reportedly receiving preferential treatment at the expense of regular team members.
The financial situation has become particularly dire. Players went unpaid since July 2025, only receiving a $3,000 monthly stipend in late October after persistent demands. This payment is guaranteed for just four months, creating significant instability for athletes trying to maintain professional training regimens.
Meanwhile, board members continue to receive substantial compensation. Treasurer Charles Pais collects approximately $150,000 annually, while CEO Salman Khan received a similar salary before his suspension last month.
Financial Questions Mount
The financial management of Cricket Canada has raised serious questions among players and board members alike. Despite the International Cricket Council providing $300,000 US to qualifying nations for World Cup preparation, Canada's team has seen minimal investment in their training.
Preparation for the global tournament has been limited to two or three days at an indoor Toronto facility, while other competing nations have organized extensive exhibition matches worldwide. A proposed tour of St. Kitts or Barbados in December or January has been discussed but remains uncertain.
The situation becomes more concerning when considering that Cricket Canada will receive an additional $200,000 US for player and support staff participation in the World Cup, funds that critics fear will be mismanaged.
Multiple sources within the organization are calling for a forensic audit of Cricket Canada's accounts to address growing concerns about financial transparency and allocation of resources.
