ICC Suspends Cricket Canada's Membership but Keeps Teams Eligible for Events The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Cricket Canada's membership due to alleged breaches of its national board's obligations, though the country's national teams will remain eligible to compete in ICC events. The decision, announced on June 1, 2026, follows an investigation into governance issues within Cricket Canada, which was initiated after a documentary aired in April by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The documentary alleged corruption in the organization's leadership, including accusations of match manipulation, threats of violence, and other misconduct involving players and officials. The ICC stated that the suspension was a direct response to "serious breaches" of membership obligations, with the board resolving to act immediately. However, the global governing body emphasized that funding for Cricket Canada's teams will continue through a controlled mechanism, ensuring their participation in upcoming ICC events. The suspension of membership does not affect the teams' ability to compete, as the ICC clarified that the focus is on addressing governance and administrative issues within the organization. Cricket Canada will be required to meet specific conditions set by the ICC to restore its membership. These conditions, aimed at reforming the organization's structure and practices, will be monitored by the ICC's normalization committee, supported by ICC management. Reinstatement of membership will depend on the board's approval that all conditions have been fully met. The ICC's statement highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity in the sport, stating that the suspension is part of its broader efforts to combat corruption.#international_cricket_council #cricket_canada #canadian_broadcasting_corporation #icc_normalization_committee #los_angeles_olympics
Rohit Sharma reveals emotional reason behind Sanju Samson pep talk: 'I can feel pulse of the player' Sanju Samson has become a standout performer for India in the T20 World Cup 2026, delivering crucial innings in key matches. His unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a must-win Super 8 game and a composed 89 in the semi-final against England secured India’s place in the final. These performances have earned him recognition as one of India’s heroes in the tournament. Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, shared an emotional insight into his approach with Samson during the tournament. Sharma revealed that he often reassures players, emphasizing the importance of patience and belief in their abilities. During a moment captured by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Sharma encouraged Samson before India’s opening match against the United States, a game in which Samson was not included in the playing XI. The clip showed Sharma comforting Samson, saying, “Don’t be disheartened. It is a long tournament. You’ll get your chance. The opportunity can come anytime.” Samson’s inclusion in the team was a topic of discussion. He did not start the tournament in the playing XI after struggling during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. However, he eventually earned a spot during the group-stage clash against Namibia when Abhishek Sharma was ruled out due to a stomach infection. Once Abhishek recovered, Samson was again left out, highlighting the challenges of maintaining consistency in high-pressure tournaments. Sharma’s pep talk with Samson reflects his leadership style, focusing on mental resilience and trust in players’ potential. The ICC shared the moment on social media, underscoring the camaraderie and support within the team.#t20_world_cup_2026 #international_cricket_council #sanju_samson #rohit_sharma #abhishek_sharma
International Cricket Council Suspends Ex-KKR Cricketer and Officials Over Match-Fixing Allegations The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended West Indies fast-bowling all-rounder Javon Searles, Titans team owner Chitranjan Rathod, and team official Griffith following allegations of breaching anti-corruption codes. The suspensions come amid investigations into match-fixing during the Bim10 Tournament 2023/24, which falls under the jurisdiction of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the ICC. In a statement, the ICC confirmed that all three individuals face charges related to the tournament. Searles is accused of four violations under the CWI Anti-Corruption Code, while Rathod faces three charges. Griffith, a team official, is charged with four CWI Code violations and an additional charge under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The suspensions are provisional and effective immediately, with the ICC granting the accused 14 days from March 11, 2026, to respond to the allegations. The charges include breaches of specific articles in the CWI Code. All three individuals are accused of violating Article 2.1.1, which prohibits fixing matches or improperly influencing their outcomes. They also face charges under Article 2.1.4, which involves soliciting players or support staff to commit code violations. Additionally, they are alleged to have failed to cooperate with anti-corruption investigations under Article 2.4.4. Searles and Griffith are also charged with breaching Article 2.4.2 of the CWI Code, which requires disclosing any approaches or invitations related to code violations. Griffith, however, faces an extra charge under the ICC Code’s Article 2.4.7, which pertains to obstructing investigations by concealing or tampering with evidence.#international_cricket_council #javon_searles #chitranjan_rathod #griffith #bim10_tournament_202324
Pakistan's Usman Tariq has sparked global interest with his unconventional bowling action, which has led to both admiration and controversy. The spinner's unique side-arm delivery, characterized by a deliberate pause before releasing the ball, has made him a standout performer in international cricket. Despite initial doubts about the legality of his action, Tariq's technique has been officially cleared by the International Cricket Council, allowing him to continue competing at the highest level. Tariq's distinctive style has influenced other spinners, with some adopting similar techniques. A notable example occurred during a school cricket match in Sri Lanka, where a left-arm spinner named Nethuja Bashitha attempted to replicate Tariq's action. However, the umpire ruled the delivery a "dead ball" due to the delayed release, highlighting the challenges of executing such a technique in real match conditions. This incident underscores the growing fascination with Tariq's approach, even as it raises questions about its practicality. The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, provided a stage for Tariq to showcase his skills. Despite Pakistan's early exit from the tournament after the Super Eight stage, Tariq performed admirably, claiming 10 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.23. His contributions were pivotal in keeping Pakistan competitive, though the team ultimately fell short of advancing further. Tariq's journey to developing his unique action began in domestic cricket, where he experimented with bowling using a tennis ball to refine his technique. He described his method as a deliberate effort to "break the fractions" of his bowling motion, emphasizing that the timing and rhythm of his delivery remain intact despite the slowed execution.#pakistan #international_cricket_council #sri_lanka #usman_tariq #2026_icc_men_s_t20_world_cup
Pakistan Allrounder Nawaz Drug Test Fail | T20 World Cup 2026 Pakistan’s all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has failed a drug test conducted during the 2026 T20 World Cup, sparking an investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The sample, collected during the tournament, reportedly tested positive for recreational drugs, though the exact substance remains undisclosed. PCB officials confirmed the incident and stated that the board has initiated its internal inquiry, with final results yet to be determined. The case is being handled under ICC’s anti-doping protocols, which operate in secrecy. Nawaz, 32, played all seven matches for Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup, contributing 15 runs and 7 wickets. His performance helped the team reach the Super-8 stage before exiting the tournament. The cricketer, known for his left-arm spin and lower-order batting, has accumulated 101 T20 wickets and 911 runs in international T20 matches. Despite the positive test, he continues to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), representing Multan Sultans. Recently, he bowled three overs against Karachi Kings in a match without taking a wicket. The incident has disrupted Nawaz’s career plans. He was set to join Saracens in the T20 Blast, with PCB granting him a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the deal. However, the agreement collapsed following the doping allegation, leaving him without a team for the current season. The club involved has not commented on the matter. PCB’s spokesperson confirmed that ICC notified the board about the test results, and the investigation is ongoing. If the anti-doping rules are violated, Nawaz could face suspension or other disciplinary actions.#t20_world_cup_2026 #international_cricket_council #pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #mohammad_nawaz
ICC Suspends Cricket Canada, Approves Pink-Ball Trial at Board Meeting The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Cricket Canada’s membership with immediate effect following allegations of "serious breaches" of its obligations, according to a statement released during the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad on May 31. The decision was part of a broader set of resolutions aimed at addressing governance, administrative reforms, and evolving playing conditions in international cricket. While the suspension was imposed, the ICC confirmed that Canadian national teams would continue to participate in ICC events and receive funding through a controlled mechanism to avoid adverse impacts on players. Cricket Canada was also given a set of reinstatement conditions to address governance and administrative shortcomings, with progress monitored by the ICC’s Normalisation Committee. A key decision at the meeting was the approval of a trial for using pink balls in conventional Test matches under specific conditions. The proposal allows teams to switch from traditional red balls to pink balls during Tests when poor light is anticipated, aiming to reduce delays caused by visibility issues. The ICC emphasized that both participating teams must agree to the switch, and the move follows earlier reports by Cricbuzz about the proposal. The ICC also confirmed plans to collaborate with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on research into lighting technology to further minimize interruptions from poor weather conditions. The board also approved the establishment of a Global Qualifier for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, tasked with finalizing the competition structure and qualification pathway for a 16-team qualifier.#icc #ahmedabad #mcc #cricket_canada #cricket_canada_suspension
