ICC Issues Ultimatum to Cricket Canada: 'Smarten Up or We Take Over'
The International Cricket Council has issued a blunt ultimatum to Cricket Canada, warning the national governing body to rectify its operations or face an immediate takeover. This dramatic move came during the Easter weekend, with ICC officials explicitly stating they would assume control in a manner similar to their intervention in the United States.
A Sudden Warning from the Governing Body
Amjad Bajwa, president of Cricket Canada, confirmed that an ICC official attended an executive meeting and delivered the hammer blow. "The official made it clear our association would be taken over by the ICC in the same manner it did in the U.S.," Bajwa revealed. This warning marks a significant departure from the ICC's typically slow-paced approach, indicating heightened urgency amid mounting concerns over Cricket Canada's management.
The ICC's accelerated action is partly driven by cricket's return to the Olympics in 2028 after a century-long absence. With the sport poised for global exposure, the council aims to capitalize on markets with substantial marketing potential, including Canada. The threat of takeover underscores the ICC's determination to ensure robust governance and commercial viability in key regions.
A History of Scandals and Mismanagement
Cricket Canada has been embroiled in numerous controversies over recent years, exposing deep-seated issues within the organization. Investigations have uncovered a pattern of misconduct, including a sweetheart deal for former CEO Salman Khan, who faced theft and fraud charges related to missing funds from the Calgary & District Cricket League. Despite being suspended with full pay, Khan was eventually fired, but the case remains unresolved, with proceedings pushed back to 2017.
Further scandals involve national coaches, with Pubudu Dassanayake—who led Canada to the World Twenty20 Cup and secured a spot in the 2027 World Cup—fired without cause. Dassanayake has since sued for wrongful dismissal, and the case is still pending in court. His replacement, Khurram Rashid Chohan, was also dismissed after refusing orders from CC officials allegedly influenced by offshore gambling syndicates. Shockingly, three CC members were caught placing bets on matches, with evidence of match-fixing and illegal betting provided to the ICC, though no substantive action was taken.
Legal Battles and Governance Failures
The turmoil extends to legal disputes, including a case with Bombay Sports, organizers of the popular Global T20 League in Brampton, which remains unresolved in court. Additionally, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ordered Cricket Canada to shut down following a lawsuit initiated by four provincial groups. Justice David Creer ruled that the governing body violated its own constitution and bylaws, describing the dispute as "acrimonious, contentious, and complex," driven by egos.
Elections mandated by the court were postponed after Cricket Canada officials failed to appear, citing last-minute issues with Ontario's representative nominations. Bajwa explained, "We had a problem with Ontario switching their representatives, and this wasn't allowed according to the rules. We have asked the special general meeting to be moved forward." Meanwhile, international players have faced frozen salaries for months, while former executives continued to draw six-figure incomes.
Hope on the Horizon with League Returns
Amid the chaos, there is positive news for cricket enthusiasts. The Global T20 Canada league will return this summer after a one-year hiatus, despite ongoing legal battles with Bombay Sports. Cricket Canada has partnered with the U.S.-based National Cricket League to revive the tournament, which has previously attracted top global players to Brampton's CAA Centre and provided income for Canadian athletes.
Additionally, the Canada Super 60 League is set to run from September 4 to October 4 at BC Place Stadium. Launched last year, this indoor event drew thousands of fans and appears to be establishing a lasting presence. These developments offer a glimmer of hope for the sport's future in Canada, even as governance issues loom large.
The ICC's ultimatum serves as a critical wake-up call for Cricket Canada. With the threat of takeover hanging overhead, the organization must address its systemic failures or risk losing autonomy in a pivotal moment for cricket's global expansion.
