Match-fixing in T20 World Cup 2026 sends shockwaves, Chennai match under scrutiny

Allegations of corruption and match fixing again shook the cricket world. The anti-corruption unit of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has begun the investigation process. The accusations of corruption pertain to the Canadian senior men's cricket team, specifically involving one of their matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The officials of the International Cricket Council are forced to act deeply because of a recently published report that claims the T20 World Cup 2026 match between Canada and New Zealand was fixed.

Canada vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 match under investigation

Canada and New Zealand faced each other in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 17 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. New Zealand won the match by 8 wickets and 29 balls to spare, chasing a target of 174.

"The existence of the allegations emerged in a documentary 'Corruption, Crime and Cricket', produced by The Fifth Estate, a Canadian investigative documentary programme. The 43-minute film, aired by the public broadcaster CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) on Friday, makes wide-ranging accusations of corruption and governance at Canada Cricket," ESPNcricinfo reported.

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A recently published documentary accused the Canadian team captain

According to the claims made in the documentary, Canada captain might have conceded extra runs deliberately. Then the newly appointed captain of the team, who is mostly known for his top-order batting skills, went to bowl against the Kiwis and instantly conceded runs through no-balls and wides. He began the over with a no-ball, bowled a wide down the leg side, and ended up conceding 15 off the over.

In another investigation, the focus is on the selection process of the Canadian cricket team. It is suspected that the Canadian coach, Khurram Chohan, was under severe pressure by the board to select certain players.

Official statement from the Anti-Corruption Unit

"The ACU is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC. Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it," Andrew Ephgrave, interim General Manager of the ICC's Integrity Unit, told ESPNcricinfo.

"Governance matters in relation to ICC Members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the ICC's standard constitutional processes. The ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit operates across three core functions: intelligence, prevention and education, and investigation. These functions operate concurrently and are applied wherever there is a credible basis to believe the integrity of the sport may be at risk," he added further.

Along with the T20 World Cup 2026 claims, the documentary mentioned another former coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, who makes a similar claim regarding the team selection process for the 2024 T20 World Cup. According to the documentary, the board tried "to force" Dassanayake to select certain players, and when he didn't, he was told his contract would be terminated, the media report claimed.

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