Cricket Canada Launches Reform Plan to Overturn ICC Suspension

Toronto, June 5 – Cricket Canada has put in place an extensive corrective action plan to regain its membership status two weeks after the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the board for serious governance and administrative concerns. The decision follows the ICC’s suspension earlier this week of Zimbabwe cricket due to “serious violations” of membership criteria, as well as a history of concerns over governance, financial oversight and compliance issues.

However, Cricket Canada has accepted the ICC decision and offered its full co-operation to the world governing body. The organization also said in its post that it already provided a detailed Corrective and Preventative Action Plan (CAPA) which was aimed at rectifying the deficiencies indicated by the ICC. It covers a review of governance failures, improved financial controls and reporting systems, and structural reforms in the administration.

A highlight of the reform package is that it will be overseen by an independent committee led by Canadian lawyer and governance expert Dasha Peregoudova. The committee has been given the power to review financial records, interview staff and propose reforms. Interim results are due in two weeks and the full report along with a long term remediation plan will be released within the next couple of weeks.

Cricket Canada has also reestablished its Finance and Audit Committee, expedited audit processes, and made governance training compulsory for board members. The board said these actions are designed to restore transparency, accountability and confidence in the way the organization operates.

Canadian cricket was further crippled when the ICC suspended Canada in 2022 citing charges of corruption, financial fraud, and deficiencies in governance within Canadian cricket. On the other hand, ICC events will continue to have Canadian national teams participating and funds distributed through a controlled mechanism by the ICC. The board has said a return will be subject to Cricket Canada meeting all conditions, and showing it can continue to comply.

Cricket Canada is now under pressure from international bodies to implement changes — and quickly. The board remains confident its far-reaching restructuring plan will satisfy ICC criteria and allow an early return to full membership.