New Zealand-Canada T20 World Cup 2026 group fixture match under ICC ACU scanner

The International Cricket Council (ICC) are aware about an investigation into alleged corruption involving a Canada Cricket Team match during the 2026 T20 World Cup, raising fresh concerns over the integrity of the tournament.

According to ESPNcricnfo, Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) has an active investigations against the Cricket Canada as the breach of the ICC's anti-corruption code at international level. The existence of the allegations emerged in a documentary 'Corruption, Crime and Cricket', produced by the fifth estate, a Canadian investigative documentary programme. The 43-minute film, aired by the public broadcaster CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) on Friday, makes wide-ranging accusations of corruption and governance at Canada Cricket.

What is the Issue?

The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is examining a group-stage fixture involving Canada and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026. The focus of the investigation has turned to the fifth over of New Zealand’s chase, when Canada's captain Dilpreet Bajwa introduced himself into the attack. Just 22 at the time, Bajwa had been appointed skipper barely three weeks before the tournament.

A batting allrounder who bowls off-spin, Bajwa came on with New Zealand placed at 35 for 2. Canada had started with pace through Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger, but the duo leaked 15 and 14 runs in their opening overs. In response, Canada turned to spin as early as the third over, with Saad bin Zafar delivering a wicket-maiden. Heyliger then struck in the fourth over to keep Canada in the contest. However, momentum shifted in the fifth over. Bajwa began with a no-ball, followed it up with a wide down the leg side, and eventually conceded 15 runs, an over that has now come under scrutiny.

Andrew Ephgrave, interim General Manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement to ESPNcricinfo:

“The ACU is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC. In line with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it. Governance matters relating to ICC members are addressed by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with its standard constitutional processes.”

He further added:

“The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit operates across three core functions, intelligence, prevention and education, and investigation. These functions run concurrently and are applied wherever there is a credible basis to believe the integrity of the sport may be at risk.”