The International Cricket Council (ICC) has ramped up pressure on Cricket Canada, demanding detailed explanations regarding the controversial appointment of CEO Salman Khan and the board’s recent partnership decisions. This heightened scrutiny comes amid fraud allegations against Khan and growing concerns about transparency and governance within the organization.
ICC’s Formal Query: Key Issues Raised
On May 2, 2025, the ICC sent a formal letter to Cricket Canada with four pointed questions that the board must answer within 14 days. The ICC’s concerns center on:
The process behind Salman Khan’s appointment as CEO in January 2025, just weeks before Calgary Police charged him and former league treasurer Syed Wajahat Ali with theft and fraud involving approximately CAD 200,000 from the Calgary & District Cricket League.
Due diligence conducted by Cricket Canada before Khan’s promotion, including whether directors were informed of the ongoing investigation prior to his appointment.
The board’s knowledge and response: When did Cricket Canada’s directors first learn of the police investigation, and what steps have they taken since the charges became public?
Governance and disciplinary actions already enacted in light of the allegations.
The ICC’s letter underscores the seriousness of the charges and warns that associate members who fail to meet governance standards risk funding freezes or even administrative intervention.
Timeline of Events
- June 2023: Salman Khan is elected as a Cricket Canada director.
- January 2025: Khan resigns as director and is appointed CEO on a five-year, no-termination contract.
- March 12, 2025: Calgary Police charge Khan and Ali with theft and fraud.
- March 13, 2025: Cricket Canada announces it is consulting legal and governance experts.
- April 14, 2025: Board announces a new GT20 partnership with NCL Canada, despite ICC’s ban on NCL events elsewhere.
- May 2, 2025: ICC issues its formal query to Cricket Canada.
Controversy Over GT20 Partnership
Cricket Canada’s recent partnership with National Cricket League (NCL) Canada to operate the GT20 league has also drawn criticism. The ICC had previously banned NCL from receiving sanction for future events due to repeated rules violations. Reports indicate that the NCL contract was approved without the board seeing the complete terms, and an alternative proposal from the UAE-based, ICC-sanctioned ILT20 was never presented for review.
Leadership and Transparency Challenges
Cricket Canada’s handling of the allegations against Salman Khan has raised concern among provincial associations and cricket stakeholders. While the board announced an internal investigation in April, no public updates have been provided. Khan has denied any wrongdoing, calling reports of his arrest “completely false.” However, local cricket administrators say the Calgary case was widely known in cricket circles before charges were officially laid.
The ICC’s intervention now puts Cricket Canada’s governance under the microscope, with the board’s response likely to determine whether the matter ends with clarification or escalates to disciplinary action.
What’s at Stake for Cricket Canada?
Potential consequences include funding freezes or direct administrative intervention by the ICC if Cricket Canada’s response is deemed inadequate.
The board’s ability to demonstrate transparency and proper governance will be critical in restoring trust among players, stakeholders, and the wider cricket community.
FAQs
1. Why is the ICC scrutinizing Cricket Canada?
The ICC is investigating Cricket Canada’s appointment of Salman Khan as CEO despite ongoing fraud charges, and is questioning the board’s due diligence and transparency.
2. What are the fraud allegations against the CEO?
Salman Khan and a former league treasurer are accused of misappropriating around CAD 200,000 from the Calgary & District Cricket League between 2014 and 2016.
3. What could happen if Cricket Canada fails to satisfy the ICC?
Cricket Canada could face funding freezes or administrative intervention if it fails to meet ICC governance standards.
4. What is the controversy around the GT20 partnership?
Cricket Canada partnered with NCL Canada to run the GT20 league, despite the ICC’s ban on NCL events and without presenting alternative proposals to the board.
5. Has Cricket Canada responded to the ICC?
As of now, Cricket Canada has 14 days from May 2, 2025, to respond to the ICC’s four questions. The outcome will depend on the thoroughness and transparency of their reply.
Conclusion
The ICC’s formal letter has placed Cricket Canada’s governance and leadership under intense scrutiny at a critical juncture. The board’s next steps-especially its willingness to provide transparent answers and take corrective action-will determine not only its standing with the ICC but also the future of Canadian cricket’s credibility and growth.