The ICC Investigates Cricket Canada’s CEO Appointment
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised concerns over the appointment of Salman Khan as the Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Canada. Khan was promoted to the position in January, just weeks before he and former league treasurer Syed Wajahat Ali were charged by Calgary Police with theft and fraud amounting to roughly CAD 200,000 from the Calgary & District Cricket League between 2014 and 2016.
ICC’s Letter to Cricket Canada
The ICC has sent a letter to Cricket Canada, demanding an explanation of the circumstances surrounding Khan’s appointment. The letter, dated 2 May 2025, asks the board to provide details of the recruitment process, any due diligence carried out, and steps taken since the charges were made public. The ICC emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khan, particularly in relation to his conduct as a cricket administrator.
According to the correspondence, the ICC specifically requests information on whether directors were informed of the allegations before Khan’s appointment, the date the board first learned of the investigation, and any governance or disciplinary actions taken thus far.
Cricket Canada’s Response
Cricket Canada announced in April that it had launched an investigation into the allegations against Khan. However, no further updates or information have been provided by the board since then. Khan has denied any wrongdoing and refuted reports of his arrest as false.
Several provincial administrators have indicated that the Calgary case had been a topic of discussion within local cricket circles prior to the charges being laid. This puts pressure on the board to demonstrate that proper care was exercised in the appointment process.
Controversial Employment Contract
Questions have arisen regarding the circumstances of Khan’s appointment as CEO. Khan, who was elected as a Board Director in June 2023, resigned from his position early to assume the salaried CEO role. Some speculate that the premature resignation was strategic, as board bylaws mandate the resignation of any director formally charged with a crime.
Sources reveal that Khan’s appointment as CEO was negotiated by Board Chair Amjad Bajwa and Director Imran Rana without disclosing the details of the contract to other directors. The contract, which is for five years and lacks an at-will termination clause, could potentially expose Cricket Canada to a full payout if Khan is removed early.
Commercial Changes and Timeline of Events
Following Khan’s appointment, Cricket Canada made significant commercial deals, including a new partnership with National Cricket League (NCL) Canada to operate the GT20 brand. This decision came after the termination of a long-standing contract with Bombay Sports in December 2024.
Despite the ICC’s ban on NCL events due to rules breaches, the board approved the contract with NCL without circulating the full terms to all directors. An alternative proposal from ICC-sanctioned league ILT20 was never presented to the board for consideration.
The timeline of key events leading up to the ICC’s query includes Khan’s election as a director in June 2023, his appointment as CEO in January 2025, and the charges of theft and fraud laid by Calgary Police in March 2025. Cricket Canada has 14 days to respond to the ICC’s inquiries, which will determine the potential disciplinary actions.
As the investigation unfolds, the governance of Cricket Canada is under scrutiny, with potential repercussions from the ICC looming over the associate member. Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.
Cricket Canada’s Governance Challenges
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Salman Khan as the CEO of Cricket Canada has sparked concerns not only about potential financial impropriety but also about the governance practices within the organization. Questions have been raised about the transparency of decision-making processes, the accountability of board members, and the overall integrity of Cricket Canada’s leadership.
One key issue that has come to light is the lack of oversight in the recruitment and appointment of senior executives. The fact that Khan’s appointment was made without full disclosure to all directors raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need for more robust governance structures within the organization.
Furthermore, the commercial decisions made by Cricket Canada following Khan’s appointment, such as entering into a partnership with NCL Canada, have raised eyebrows due to the lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The failure to consider alternative proposals, such as the one from ILT20, suggests a lack of due diligence and proper decision-making processes within the board.
Impact on Canadian Cricket
The ongoing investigation into Khan’s appointment and the allegations of theft and fraud have cast a shadow over Canadian cricket. The reputation of both Cricket Canada and the sport itself is at stake, with potential consequences for the development and growth of cricket in the country.
The uncertainty surrounding the leadership of Cricket Canada and the governance issues that have been brought to light may deter potential sponsors, partners, and investors from collaborating with the organization. This could have a significant impact on funding, resources, and opportunities for Canadian cricket players at all levels.
The lack of clarity and accountability within Cricket Canada’s leadership could also erode trust among players, fans, and stakeholders, leading to a decline in participation and support for the sport. It is crucial for the organization to address these governance challenges and restore confidence in its operations to secure the future of cricket in Canada.
Looking Ahead
As Cricket Canada navigates the fallout from the ICC’s inquiry and the ongoing investigation into Khan’s appointment, it faces a critical juncture in its history. The organization must take decisive steps to address the governance issues that have been exposed, implement stronger oversight and transparency measures, and rebuild trust with its stakeholders.
Moving forward, Cricket Canada must prioritize ethical conduct, accountability, and integrity in its operations to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of cricket in Canada. By learning from the mistakes of the past and adopting best practices in governance, the organization can emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to fulfill its mission of promoting and developing cricket across the country.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Cricket Canada navigates the challenges ahead and works to restore its reputation and credibility within the international cricket community.
