Cricket Canada has disclosed it is consulting with legal and governance experts to carefully evaluate the recent allegations brought against its CEO, Salman Khan, related to charges of theft and fraud. Khan, along with Syed Wajahat Ali, is accused by Calgary police of committing theft and fraud exceeding $5,000 while they were leading figures within the Calgary and District Cricket League (C&DCL).
Both men previously held influential positions in the league, with Khan serving as former president, and Ali as the former treasurer. Investigators allege the two were involved in misappropriating a substantial sum of roughly $200,000 from the organization between January 2014 and December 2016. Suspicions arose after a newly appointed league president initiated an internal audit back in 2017 upon noticing irregularities in financial records, prompting an official police investigation.
According to police statements, these misappropriated funds were allegedly transferred in the form of cheque payments to construction companies and contractors closely linked to either Khan, Ali, or their immediate family members. Authorities claim payments were meant for improvements and repairs to the league facilities; however, the projects were either not executed, executed poorly using substandard materials, or highly overcharged.
On Friday, Cricket Canada released a statement that reaffirmed its dedication to the highest standards of integrity and emphasized the seriousness with which it is taking these allegations. While reassuring members and stakeholders of its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, Cricket Canada promised to thoroughly investigate the ongoing situation.
Khan, who is currently the CEO of Cricket Canada as well as president and CEO of the Alberta Cricket Association, has denied the allegations against him. In a social media message, he described the charges as "completely false" and claimed that police brought charges without fully reviewing his evidence or hearing his side of the story. Khan expressed confidence in his innocence, asserting he is prepared to vigorously contest these allegations in court.
The charges against Khan and Ali, who both currently reside in Milton, Ontario, have not yet been proven in a judicial process. Both were scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Thursday.
6 Comments
Karamba
We should support Cricket Canada's commitment to transparency and investigation instead of immediately placing blame.
Rotfront
Knowing Khan personally and witnessing his passion for cricket, I strongly believe he deserves the benefit of doubt until a legal verdict is delivered.
Matzomaster
The situation may look alarming, but we owe the accused the right to a fair hearing.
Rotfront
The allegations are sickening—not just theft, but betrayal of the cricket community’s trust and goodwill.
Matzomaster
I personally know Khan; he's always shown integrity and dedication to cricket. I'll wait for more facts before forming an opinion.
Leonardo
I stand by Salman Khan until firm evidence is presented proving otherwise.