The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has launched an expansive investigation into Cricket Canada following explosive revelations linking the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang to match-fixing during the T20 World Cup 2026. The probe, announced on Saturday, April 18, 2026, comes in the wake of a documentary by “The Fifth Estate”, which alleged that members of the Punjab and Haryana-based gang used threats and coercion to influence match outcomes. Specifically, the ICC is scrutinising Canada’s Group D encounter against New Zealand, where suspicious on-field tactical decisions sparked immediate red flags within the governing body’s monitoring systems.
Lawrence Bishnoi Gang’s Alleged Coercion Of Cricket Canada Officials
According to investigative reports and whistleblower testimonies, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly exerted significant external pressure on the Canadian cricket board and its players. The documentary revealed that gang members held meetings at a restaurant in Surrey, Canada, where they openly threatened the safety of players and their families to ensure compliance with fixing instructions.
A source quoted in the report claimed that the gang explicitly ordered that certain players must not be dropped from the squad, warning officials of dire consequences if they failed to follow through. The fear within the Canadian camp is reportedly so high that many have remained silent, particularly after a board official’s residence was targeted in multiple shooting incidents. An insider noted that the cricketing community in Canada is currently “disheartened and scared” to speak openly about the gang’s deep-rooted influence.
Captain Dilpreet Bajwa Under Scrutiny For Spot-Fixing Suspicions
At the heart of the ICC investigation is Canada’s captain, Dilpreet Bajwa. The 23-year-old’s appointment as skipper just weeks before the World Cup had already raised eyebrows, but his actions during the Canada vs New Zealand match on February 17 in Chennai have now come under intense legal scrutiny.
Despite Canada posting a respectable 173/4—thanks to a brilliant century by Yuvraj Samra—suspicious bowling changes were noted during the New Zealand chase. Shockingly, Bajwa brought himself on to bowl the fifth over when the Kiwis were struggling at 35/2.
He immediately delivered a no-ball and conceded 15 runs in that single over, shifting the momentum entirely in favour of the Blackcaps, who eventually chased the target in just 15.1 overs. The ICC ACU has reportedly summoned Bajwa to explain these tactical choices, which are suspected to be part of a coordinated spot-fixing effort.
Canada’s Disastrous T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign
The dark cloud of fixing allegations provides a potential explanation for Canada’s dismal performance in the tournament. Placed in a challenging Group D alongside South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, the North American side failed to register a single point.
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Performance Summary: Canada finished at the bottom of the table with 4 losses in 4 matches.
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Net Run Rate: A staggering -2.426, among the lowest in the competition.
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Key Matches: Beyond the New Zealand controversy, Canada suffered heavy defeats against South Africa (57 runs) and a 5-wicket loss to the UAE, a match they were statistically favored to win.
As the ICC continues its probe, the involvement of organized crime syndicates in international cricket has sent shockwaves through the sport, raising urgent questions about player security and the integrity of Associate Member nations in major ICC events.
