CBC Report Links Alleged Threats and Organised Crime Influence to Canadian Cricket Setup Ahead of T20 World Cup
A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) investigation has raised serious allegations involving organised crime influence within Canada’s cricket ecosystem, ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The report claims that individuals linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly exerted pressure on players and officials connected to Cricket Canada, including threats tied to team selection and leadership decisions.
The Bishnoi gang has been designated a terrorist entity in Canada, and has previously been accused in multiple violent incidents, including extortion and shootings targeting South Asian communities. It has also been widely linked in public discourse to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, though legal proceedings in various cases remain ongoing.
Allegations of Threats to Players
According to the CBC report, the alleged incident dates back to July 2025, when around 25 provincial cricketers gathered in Surrey, British Columbia, following a tournament victory. The report claims that two individuals approached a player at the gathering, allegedly identifying themselves as representatives of the Bishnoi gang.
They are said to have issued threats demanding support for the promotion of cricketer Dilpreet Bajwa and another young player within the national setup. The report further alleges that the player was warned of consequences if he or his family did not comply.
A separate player, referred to under the pseudonym “Noah,” also reportedly claimed he was threatened after expressing opposition to the alleged interference.
Claims of Influence Over Team Leadership
The investigation further alleges that these threats were connected to internal decisions within the national team, including the controversial appointment of Dilpreet Bajwa as captain shortly before the 2026 T20 World Cup. The CBC source suggests that pressure was exerted to secure his position within the squad and leadership structure.
One quoted source in the report suggested concerns over possible corruption motives, alleging that certain individuals may have attempted to influence team composition for financial gain. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Cricket Administration Under Scrutiny
The CBC report also references alleged links between these events and Cricket Canada president Arvinder Khosa. It suggests that Khosa may have had associations with individuals connected to the alleged threats. Khosa has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation.
The report further claims that discussions around Bajwa’s captaincy began before Khosa assumed his role as president, though this timeline remains disputed by those involved.
Former officials and administrators mentioned in the report, including former president Amjad Bajwa and others, have denied knowledge of or involvement in any wrongdoing.
Additional Allegations of Match-Fixing Pressure
The investigation also includes claims from a former coach, Khurram Chohan, who allegedly stated he was approached with requests to influence parts of matches by individuals associated with cricket administration. These allegations remain unproven and have not resulted in formal charges as per available public information.
No Official Findings Yet
At this stage, none of the allegations have been proven in court, and no official disciplinary or criminal findings have been confirmed by Canadian authorities or international cricket governing bodies.
Cricket Canada has not issued a detailed public response to the specific claims outlined in the CBC report, though individuals named in the investigation have broadly denied wrongdoing.
Conclusion
The CBC investigation has raised serious questions about alleged external influence, intimidation, and governance issues within Canadian cricket. However, the claims remain under scrutiny, and further verification from law enforcement and sporting authorities will be required before any conclusions can be drawn.
For now, the situation highlights broader concerns around safeguarding sport from organised crime influence and ensuring transparency in team selection processes ahead of major international tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
