Cricket corruption

Allegations of match-fixing in cricket are back in the news – this time involving Canada, an associate member of the ICC. Under scrutiny is their T20 World Cup 2026 match against New Zealand which they lost by eight wickets. More specifically, what has raised concerns is the fifth over bowled by Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand's successful chase of 173 runs at Chennai that was completed in 15.1 overs. The right arm off-break bowler started with a no-ball, bowled a wide and ended up conceding 15 runs in the over.

The ICC was promoted to launch an investigation after a documentary aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation made wide-ranging allegations of corruption and poor governance against Canada Cricket, specially focussing on the over bowled by the Canadian skipper. The world cricket governing body is also investigating allegations by then Canadian coach Khurram Chohan that senior Cricket Canada board members put pressure on him to select certain players.

All this, and other recent scandals – including suspension of four domestic cricketers during India's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and fixing attempts against eight British club cricketers during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League – prove that the ICC has not fully succeeded in purging what used be called the gentlemen's game of corrupt practices, despite its best efforts.

The fact is that the rot runs very deep, with not just the players but also the officials on authoritative positions involved. The lure of money is so strong that even harsh punishments, like a 17.5 years' ban on a British club cricketer, have failed to serve as deterrent. While there is need for shifting the focus from punishment to prevention, adopting systemic integrity is a must which means that the entire system —including board members, coaches and administrators - must operate with the same moral standards that is expected of athletes.