Cricket Canada has put forward a detailed plan to restore its suspended International Cricket Council (ICC) membership. The ICC suspended Cricket Canada’s associate membership due to multiple breaches of obligations. Previously, the ICC had also halted funding to Cricket Canada over governance concerns.
A recent compliance review by the ICC revealed issues with the board’s governance, financial management, and various processes. Cricket Canada has faced scrutiny following the appointment and subsequent removal of former CEO Salman Khan.
The board did not disclose Khan’s previous criminal charges related to theft and fraud, which he has denied. In May, Arvinder Khosa became the new board president after a brief interim period, leading a newly elected nine-member board.
The ICC’s anti-corruption unit is investigating potential corruption linked to Canada during their match against New Zealand in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This investigation was sparked by a leaked telephone conversation involving the former coach, Khurram Chohan, in which he claimed pressure from senior board members to select certain players.
Despite these allegations, Bhavjit Jauhar, the board’s chief operating officer, stated that the governance and financial issues occurred before the new board was in place, which is now implementing reforms to address these concerns.
“Most of the issues pre-date the newly elected board. The majority of the governance and financial control concerns raised by the ICC relate to historical practices and decisions made prior to the April/May elections,” Jauhar told ESPNcricinfo.
“The new board has inherited these legacy issues and is now responsible for implementing corrective and preventive reforms. The ICC has been informed that the new board is committed to full compliance and has begun implementing necessary changes,” he added.
Independent Committee Formed to Address ICC Concerns
To begin the process of regaining its membership, Cricket Canada has presented a proposal to the ICC that outlines its governance and financial issues along with immediate and long-term solutions for compliance.
An independent committee led by lawyer Dasha Peregoudova has been established to investigate the ICC’s concerns. This committee is expected to provide preliminary recommendations within two weeks and a full report within 45 days. It will have full access to financial records and other relevant documentation, according to Cricket Canada.
Cricket Canada will also collaborate with the ICC’s normalisation committee, which includes Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja, in their efforts to restore membership. Bhavjit Jauhar affirmed the board’s commitment to adhere to ICC standards.
“Cricket Canada respects the ICC’s decision and is fully committed to meeting all compliance requirements. The Board has directed the Committee to expedite its investigative and reform efforts to ensure governance and financial oversight is strengthened without delay,” Jauhar stated.