A fresh controversy has emerged around the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with reports linking an alleged fixing scandal involving Canada national cricket team to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
ICC probe into alleged fixing
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already initiated an investigation through its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Canada's captain Dilpreet Bajwa is under scrutiny following suspicions of spot-fixing during a group stage match against New Zealand national cricket team, reported NDTV.
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The concerns were raised after an unusually expensive over, prompting the ACU to question Bajwa and examine his mobile phone as part of the probe.
Gang's alleged role in team dynamics
A report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) claims the Lawrence Bishnoi gang played a role in influencing team decisions, including Bajwa's rise to captaincy. The group, designated a terrorist entity in Canada, has previously been accused in high-profile criminal cases, including the killing of Sidhu Moose Wala.
According to the report cited by NDTV, intimidation tactics were allegedly used to influence players. "Last July (2025), around 25 cricketers, fresh off a win at a major provincial tournament, gathered at a restaurant in Surrey, British Columbia. Two players from the tournament approached a table where a star of Canada's national men's team was dining.
They claimed to represent the Bishnoi gang and threatened the player, stating that if he did not support the promotion of Dilpreet Bajwa and another young player, he and his family would face dire consequences."
Claims of threats and pressure
Another individual identified as 'Noah' also described alleged threats. "I opposed it, and within 40 minutes I received a message from the same number that terrified me because it contained a picture," Noah was quoted as saying by NDTV.
He further alleged motives behind the push for leadership changes: "I personally feel they wanted to fix matches to make money. That is why they wanted him in power," Noah said. "What other reason could there be for them to go to such lengths to make him captain?"
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Questions over administration
The report also mentions Arvinder Khosa, linking his rise to the broader developments. Khosa has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. Former officials, including Amjad Bajwa, have also rejected claims of involvement.
As investigations continue, the case has raised serious concerns about governance, player safety and integrity within the sport.
