Latest news with #CricketCanada
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brampton won't host international GT20 cricket tournament this year, mayor says
An international cricket tournament that was set to take place in Brampton will not happen this year, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown says. Brown, who has called Brampton the "cricket capital of Canada," confirmed the cancellation of the GT20 in an interview with CBC Radio's Here and Now this week. Organizers have said the tournament last year attracted tens of thousands of attendees and 150 million worldwide TV viewers. Brown said the cancellation is a "setback" because it means there won't be international cricket stars playing the game in Brampton this year, but he has high hopes for the future of the sport in the city. "We're continuing to see new fields built. We're building Canada's first cricket stadium, which will be able to host major international matches, and so, I think there's lots of reason for optimism for cricket in Canada despite the cancellation of this tournament this year," Brown said. In December, Cricket Canada, a non-profit organization that is the governing body for the sport in Canada, terminated its agreement with Bombay Sports, the company that hosted the tournament last year, due to a breach of contract. "Despite multiple notifications and opportunities to rectify the defaults outlined in previous correspondence, Bombay Sports has failed to bring its performance in line with the terms set forth in the agreement," Cricket Canada said in a Dec. 23, 2024 news release. In April, Cricket Canada announced that it had awarded a long-term license to the National Cricket League (NCL) Canada to operate the GT20. "The agreement solidifies the partnership between Cricket Canada and NCL Canada, reinforcing Canada's position as a burgeoning hub for international cricket," Cricket Canada said in an April 14, 2025 news release. "Under the NCL's leadership, GT20 is set to become a major driver for both domestic and international cricket in the region, with the long-term vision of developing a sustainable professional cricket ecosystem." But Arun Agarwal, chairman of NCL Canada, told CBC Toronto in a recent interview that the NCL Canada was not prepared to put on another tournament this year. "GT20 has some great legacy but last year it had its own challenges," he said. Agarwal said by the time NCL finished its contracts and got the rights for GT20, it had a choice. It could have put the tournament on in a rush, or it could "take a break for the year, re-strategize, bring new energy around it, put some really amazing stakeholders, put a good advisory board around us." And then he said it could "take GT20 where it belongs to be," making it "one of the premier tournaments in cricket around the world." Cricket Canada, meanwhile, continues to deal with controversy. Salman Khan, CEO of the organization, was charged by Calgary police in March with theft and fraud over $5,000. Khan has denied the allegations. In messages to CBC Toronto, Khan said he is still hopeful that there will be a GT20 tournament after the summer. For his part, Brown said he's hopeful the developments won't tarnish the future of cricket in the country. "I hope in time we're going to see some of these controversies with Cricket Canada in the rearview mirror."
CBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Brampton won't host international GT20 cricket tournament this year, mayor says
An international cricket tournament that was set to take place in Brampton will not happen this year, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown says. Brown, who has called Brampton the "cricket capital of Canada," confirmed the cancellation of the GT20 in an interview with CBC Radio's Here and Now this week. Organizers have said the tournament last year attracted tens of thousands of attendees and 150 million worldwide TV viewers. Brown said the cancellation is a "setback" because it means there won't be international cricket stars playing the game in Brampton this year, but he has high hopes for the future of the sport in the city. "We're continuing to see new fields built. We're building Canada's first cricket stadium, which will be able to host major international matches, and so, I think there's lots of reason for optimism for cricket in Canada despite the cancellation of this tournament this year," Brown said. In December, Cricket Canada, a non-profit organization that is the governing body for the sport in Canada, terminated its agreement with Bombay Sports, the company that hosted the tournament last year, due to a breach of contract. "Despite multiple notifications and opportunities to rectify the defaults outlined in previous correspondence, Bombay Sports has failed to bring its performance in line with the terms set forth in the agreement," Cricket Canada said in a Dec. 23, 2024 news release. In April, Cricket Canada announced that it had awarded a long-term license to the National Cricket League (NCL) Canada to operate the GT20. "The agreement solidifies the partnership between Cricket Canada and NCL Canada, reinforcing Canada's position as a burgeoning hub for international cricket," Cricket Canada said in an April 14, 2025 news release. "Under the NCL's leadership, GT20 is set to become a major driver for both domestic and international cricket in the region, with the long-term vision of developing a sustainable professional cricket ecosystem." But Arun Agarwal, chairman of NCL Canada, told CBC Toronto in a recent interview that the NCL Canada was not prepared to put on another tournament this year. "GT20 has some great legacy but last year it had its own challenges," he said. Agarwal said by the time NCL finished its contracts and got the rights for GT20, it had a choice. It could have put the tournament on in a rush, or it could "take a break for the year, re-strategize, bring new energy around it, put some really amazing stakeholders, put a good advisory board around us." And then he said it could "take GT20 where it belongs to be," making it "one of the premier tournaments in cricket around the world." Cricket Canada, meanwhile, continues to deal with controversy. Salman Khan, CEO of the organization, was charged by Calgary police in March with theft and fraud over $5,000. Khan has denied the allegations. In messages to CBC Toronto, Khan said he is still hopeful that there will be a GT20 tournament after the summer. For his part, Brown said he's hopeful the developments won't tarnish the future of cricket in the country.
National Post
24-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
High-flying Canucks headed to cricket World Twenty 20 Cup
Article content While things on the field have been rosy, there has been a prickly scenario playing outside the boundary lines. The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption group that found itself caught up here in the steamy weather has concluded its investigation into Cricket Canada and returned to London. Article content The anti-corruption unit quizzed members of the Canadian board and 'including at least one' national player. All these individuals will have sleepless nights until this report is released later this year and, by all indications, it could turn out to be a bombshell. Article content This column has in the last three months pointed out several of Cricket Canada's outlandish indiscretions that had fans shaking their heads. Article content Two sticking points have been the national body's decision to hire a CEO who has been charged with fraud and theft by Calgary Police and then a national team player who was charged for trafficking and possession of 20 pounds of cannabis by Barbados police. Article content Article content Cricket Canada also faces a lawsuit by former coach Pubudu Dassanayake for wrongful dismissal following the 2024 World Cup. The national body replaced him with Khurram Rasheed Chohan, who also found himself caught in this revolving door and was given his walking papers prior to the Americas qualifiers. He was replaced by former national team member Ingleton Liburd and he did a superb in the King City qualifiers. Article content 'Ingy was terrific,' Bin Zafar said. 'He planned for every match and the players were happy with the strategy he mapped out for each game.' Article content England pulled off one of its most extraordinary victories on Tuesday by chasing down 371 runs to stun India by five wickets on the fifth day in the first of five Tests at Leeds. Article content Led by Ben Duckett's dazzling 149 and a half-century from Joe Root (53 not out) and an unbeaten 43 by debutant Jamie Smith, England reached its target with ease. Duckett and Zak Crawley (65) set the pace with a superb opening stand of 181 runs and the rest was history even though Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna with two each tried to slow down England. Article content In one of the most exciting Tests ever played, all four innings featured scores of over 350 with India's combined total of 853, the fourth highest in a losing cause. Article content
National Post
10-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Corruption unit flies in to probe Cricket Canada's involvement in betting scam
A high-powered International Cricket Council anti-corruption team is jetting into Toronto this week. No, they are not here to check out what the country's largest dynamic metropolis has to offer or a trip to see the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls. Article content They may still take in all the sites during their spare time but they are here on a far more serious and challenging visit. They are here to investigate a number of incidents that have perked the ears of the world's governing body. Article content Article content The ICC has been forced to jump into action after receiving a recorded tape from a Cricket Canada member about illegal betting, match-and-spot-fixing involving the national team in the last few weeks. Immediately after the member admitted to forwarding the tape to the ICC in England, he was fired for not sharing the tape first with Cricket Canada. Article content This damning recording that was exclusively shared to Postmedia lasts 58 minutes and 47 seconds is conducted in Punjabi and was deciphered to me by a translator. The ICC takes these allegations very seriously as it doesn't want its lily-white image of the sport to be tarnished anymore. Article content Of course, the game received a black eye on April 7, 2000 when Indian police charged the late South Africa skipper Hansie Cronje of match fixing and that sparked a world-wide scandal. In the same year Pakistanis Salim Malik and Ata-u-Rehman were banned for life and six others were fined. The game was later rocked when the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation fingered India's national captain Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Sharma who both played in Toronto in the Sahara Cup tournament were banned for life. Article content Article content Since then, ICC has stepped up the fight but the proliferation of franchise cricket has made the job of stopping corruption even harder. Article content The recording points fingers at how the interim national coach Khurum Rashid Chohan was instructed by three board members on the composition of the team. It appears the bookmakers based in either Pakistan or India relayed classified information to these board members who were allegedly involved in placing bets. Article content In one instance the coach strongly objected to one bowler being dropped as the 'wicket had a green top.' And he paid the price for it. On the squad's return from the trip to the U.S. to play World Cup qualifiers Chohan was fired. He has been replaced by the national team's general manager Ingleton Liburd. Liburd was a former Canadian international all-rounder who has been with the organization for several years. When contacted on Monday, Chohan told me that he was relieved of his duties and that 'Ingleton will coach the team in next week's matches. Call me back in 15 minutes and I will talk to you.' I called him back twice and the calls went unanswered.
Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Corruption unit flies in to probe Cricket Canada's involvement in betting scam
The ICC has been forced to jump into action after receiving a recorded tape from a Cricket Canada member about illegal betting, match-and-spot-fixing involving the national team in the last few weeks. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun A high-powered International Cricket Council anti-corruption team is jetting into Toronto this week. No, they are not here to check out what the country's largest dynamic metropolis has to offer or a trip to see the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account They may still take in all the sites during their spare time but they are here on a far more serious and challenging visit. They are here to investigate a number of incidents that have perked the ears of the world's governing body. The ICC has been forced to jump into action after receiving a recorded tape from a Cricket Canada member about illegal betting, match-and-spot-fixing involving the national team in the last few weeks. Immediately after the member admitted to forwarding the tape to the ICC in England, he was fired for not sharing the tape first with Cricket Canada. This damning recording that was exclusively shared to Postmedia lasts 58 minutes and 47 seconds is conducted in Punjabi and was deciphered to me by a translator. The ICC takes these allegations very seriously as it doesn't want its lily-white image of the sport to be tarnished anymore. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Of course, the game received a black eye on April 7, 2000 when Indian police charged the late South Africa skipper Hansie Cronje of match fixing and that sparked a world-wide scandal. In the same year Pakistanis Salim Malik and Ata-u-Rehman were banned for life and six others were fined. The game was later rocked when the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation fingered India's national captain Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Sharma who both played in Toronto in the Sahara Cup tournament were banned for life. Since then, ICC has stepped up the fight but the proliferation of franchise cricket has made the job of stopping corruption even harder. The recording points fingers at how the interim national coach Khurum Rashid Chohan was instructed by three board members on the composition of the team. It appears the bookmakers based in either Pakistan or India relayed classified information to these board members who were allegedly involved in placing bets. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In one instance the coach strongly objected to one bowler being dropped as the 'wicket had a green top.' And he paid the price for it. On the squad's return from the trip to the U.S. to play World Cup qualifiers Chohan was fired. He has been replaced by the national team's general manager Ingleton Liburd. Liburd was a former Canadian international all-rounder who has been with the organization for several years. When contacted on Monday, Chohan told me that he was relieved of his duties and that 'Ingleton will coach the team in next week's matches. Call me back in 15 minutes and I will talk to you.' I called him back twice and the calls went unanswered. Apart from this incident Canada has been on ICC's radar screen for a little more than a year after it installed Salman Khan as CEO of the organization even though he was charged by Calgary Police with theft and fraud involving over $5,000 arising during his time with the Calgary and District Cricket League from 2014 to 2016. Things for Cricket Canada have been on a slippery slope since last year's World Twenty20 Cup. Just as Chohan has been the target of unnecessary meddling, the coach at the time Pubudu Dassanayake complained bitterly about interference from board members. 'I honestly believe that our team was capable of reaching the second round of the competition but with five players brought in without my knowledge made life difficult,' Dassanayake said at the time. 'I would say that 90 percent of the players I selected for the World Cup came from the group who helped the country qualify. But my hands were tied as the board insisted that I play certain players who were brought in at the last minute.'' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On his return home Dassanayake was fired and the former coach filed a suit for wrongful dismissal and this case is still in court. In the meantime, Dassanayake has landed a job as coach with the United States. Cricket Canada made overtures to sign Dav Whatmore, former World Cup winner with Sri Lanka. When I contacted Whatmore in Sri Lanka, he said he was still waiting for a reply to a letter he had sent to Cricket Canada. After sensing the problems CC is facing, he wisely looked elsewhere and last week he was appointed Malaysia's new Director of Cricket for 2025-2026. Cricket Canada has also taken a hit on the field where skipper Nicholas Kirton was arrested for being in possession of '20 pounds of cannabis' in Barbados two months ago. H e was taken into police custody and was released on bail. In his absence Navneet Dhaliwal was appointed captain for the last series in the U.S. But with Kirton's case still pending Cricket Canada dropped Dhaliwal and appointed Kirton to lead in the four-country tournament between Canada, Bermuda, Bahamas and Cayman Islands at King City next week. The winner of this group will qualify for the World Twenty20 Cup in 2026. ICC will have its hands full. Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. 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