Cricket Canada has placed CEO Salman Khan on immediate suspension with full pay and benefits in a move aimed at safeguarding the organization’s integrity and ensuring procedural fairness, according to a statement by Cricket Canada president Amjad Bajwa. Khan and another individual were charged with theft and fraud over $5,000 related to their involvement with the Calgary and District Cricket League in March. Khan refuted the allegations in a social media post through the Alberta Cricket Association, asserting they are baseless.
In an interview, Bajwa mentioned that Khan’s suspension was prompted by the negativity surrounding him, although the charges against him have not been proven in court. Cricket Canada disclosed that an independent special committee, in collaboration with the executive committee and external legal advisors, is conducting a comprehensive review, although the specifics of the review were not disclosed.
Despite the ongoing situation, Cricket Canada emphasized its unwavering commitment to its vision, mission, players, and the broader Canadian cricket community. Additionally, the organization faced a separate suspension from the Canadian Safe Sport Program last week due to non-compliance with participant e-learning and consent requirements. However, Cricket Canada has now been reinstated after meeting the necessary criteria, as confirmed by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
