Cricket Canada CEO says charges of theft and fraud are ‘completely false’

Cricket Canada CEO Salman Khan and another man have been charged with theft and fraud over $5,000 related to their involvement with the Calgary and District Cricket League. The Calgary Police Service outlined in a release that Salman Khan Shahzad, also known as Salman Khan, who served as the former president of the Calgary league, and Syed Wajahat Ali, the former treasurer, are accused of misusing funds belonging to the league.

The investigation was initiated when the newly appointed president of the Calgary league conducted an internal audit in 2017 and discovered discrepancies in the financial records. It was then reported to the police, leading to further scrutiny of the league’s financial transactions. The police determined that between January 2014 and December 2016, approximately $200,000 was misappropriated by the former treasurer and former president of the C&DCL.

The funds were allegedly diverted through cheque payments to construction businesses and contractors with connections to the accused individuals or their immediate family members. The payments were purportedly for repairs and upgrades to the league clubhouse and grounds, but the work was either incomplete or substandard, using inferior materials. Additionally, the costs were inflated, resulting in financial losses for the league.

Salman Khan and Syed Wajahat Ali, both from Milton, Ontario, are scheduled to appear in court to face charges of fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000. Despite the allegations, Khan denied any wrongdoing in a social media post, labeling the accusations as false.

The Calgary league has since implemented stricter financial oversight and internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. Cricket Canada, the governing body, has been embroiled in controversies, including disputes over team selection and coaching decisions. Former players and coaches have raised concerns about the organization’s practices, leading to legal actions and investigations.

Salman Khan, who assumed the role of CEO of Cricket Canada in early January, was tasked with spearheading the growth and development of cricket in Canada. However, the charges against him and Ali have cast a shadow over the organization, raising questions about its governance and accountability.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the cricket community awaits the outcome of the case and hopes for transparency and accountability within Cricket Canada. The sport’s integrity and reputation are at stake, and it is essential for the governing body to address these issues promptly and effectively to restore trust and credibility among players and fans.