Cricket Canada under scrutiny: ICC questions CEO appointment amid fraud allegations

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly demanded an explanation from Cricket Canada how Salman Khan became Chief Executive in January 2025, weeks before Calgary Police charged him with theft and fraud of CAD 200,000 from the Calgary & District Cricket League. As per Cricbuzz, in ICC's letter dated May 2, 2025, they seek clarification on the due diligence conducted and remedial actions taken after Khan and former league treasurer Syed Wajahat Ali were charged for incidents between 2014 and 2016.

The ICC's correspondence requests detailed information about the recruitment process, whether directors were informed of allegations before Khan's appointment, when the board learned of the investigation, and what governance actions have been taken. The letter emphasised the severity of charges against Khan regarding his conduct as a cricket administrator.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Cricket Canada announced an investigation into the allegations against Khan in April, but no updates have been provided since. Khan has denied any wrongdoing.

"Reports of my arrest are completely false," Khan stated.



Provincial administrators have indicated that the Calgary case was known in local cricket circles before the charges were filed, creating a difficult situation for the board to demonstrate proper care in its appointment process.

Khan's appointment has raised several concerns. He was initially elected as a Board Director in June 2023 but resigned from his two-year honorary term to take the paid CEO position. Some suggest this early resignation was strategic, as board bylaws require directors charged with crimes to step down.

Board Chair Amjad Bajwa and Director Imran Rana reportedly negotiated Khan's CEO appointment without sharing contract details with other directors. The five-year contract notably lacks an at-will termination clause, potentially requiring Cricket Canada to pay the full term if Khan is removed early.



Significant commercial changes followed Khan's appointment as CEO. After ending a 25-year contract with Bombay Sports, the GT20 owners, in December 2024, Cricket Canada established a new long-term agreement with National Cricket League Canada to operate the GT20 brand.

The NCL partnership has drawn scrutiny as the ICC had banned them from receiving sanction for future events due to repeated rules violations. Three directors reported that the NCL contract was approved without sharing complete terms with the board.

An alternative proposal from UAE-based ILT20, an ICC-sanctioned league, was never presented to the Board for review.

The key events unfolded as follows: Khan was elected as Cricket Canada director in June 2023, became CEO in January 2025, and was charged by Calgary Police on March 12, 2025. Cricket Canada announced consultations with legal experts on March 13, revealed the GT20 partnership with NCL Canada on April 14, and received the ICC's formal query on May 2.

Cricket Canada must respond to the ICC's four questions within 14 days. The response's thoroughness and evidence of proper director communication will determine if the matter concludes with clarification or proceeds to disciplinary measures.

Associate members risk funding freezes or administrative intervention if they fail to meet ICC standards.