Ottawa (Canada): Significant allegations have surfaced linking the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to organized crime and corruption within the Canadian National Cricket Team. A report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) suggests that the gang has been using violent threats and intimidation to influence team selection and captaincy. The controversy centers on Dilpreet Singh Bajwa, a player of Punjabi origin from Batala, Gurdaspur, who is currently the captain of the Canadian team. It is alleged that the Bishnoi gang pressured officials and other players to ensure Bajwa’s appointment as captain, reportedly sending death threats to those who opposed the decision.
The situation escalated following the T20 World Cup, where Bajwa came under investigation for throwing a suspicious no-ball during a match against New Zealand. Further deepening the crisis, former coach Khurram Chohan, who had raised concerns regarding match-fixing, reportedly faced two separate firing incidents at his residence in Calgary. The CBC investigation, titled “The Fifth Estate,” claims that the gang’s interference began around July 2025, creating an atmosphere of fear that led several players to withdraw from leadership considerations due to mental stress.
Indian security agencies have reportedly joined the investigation to probe the links between Dilpreet Bajwa and the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate. Bajwa, who moved to Canada in 2020 and attended DAV Centenary School in Batala, had recently visited his hometown, sparking further scrutiny into his associations. The Canadian police have received formal complaints regarding these threats and the alleged infiltration of organized crime into the sport, which now threatens the integrity of international cricket in the region.
