Cricket Canada has announced it is “consulting with legal and governance experts to determine the appropriate course of action” following the charges of theft and fraud brought against CEO Salman Khan.
Khan, along with Syed Wajahat Ali, is facing charges of theft and fraud over $5,000, stemming from their roles in the Calgary and District Cricket League. Khan served as president of the league, while Ali held the position of treasurer.
According to a statement from Calgary Police Service on Wednesday, the two men are believed to be responsible for misappropriating funds from the league.
In its first public statement on the matter, Cricket Canada, on Friday, said: “Cricket Canada is committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We take this matter seriously and are actively investigating the situation… In the meantime, we want to assure our members, stakeholders, and the cricket community in Canada that we remain focused on our mission to grow and support the sport with transparency and responsibility.”
The investigation was triggered by an internal audit conducted by the newly appointed president of the Calgary league in 2017, who raised concerns about the league’s financial records. The police investigation revealed that between January 2014 and December 2016, Khan and Ali allegedly misappropriated about $200,000. The funds were reportedly funneled through payments to construction businesses and contractors with whom Khan and Ali, or their immediate families, had connections.
These payments were supposedly made for repairs and upgrades to the league’s clubhouse and grounds, but police allege the work was either never completed or done poorly using substandard materials. In addition, the costs were said to be grossly inflated.
The charges against Khan and Ali have not been proven in court. Both men, who are from Milton, Ontario, appeared in court for the first time on Thursday.
In response to the allegations, Khan took to social media via the Alberta Cricket Association, calling the charges “completely false.” He explained, “A police complaint was filed against me more than seven years ago… The investigator wanted my side of the story but decided to proceed with charges without hearing my defense or reviewing my evidence. I am not worried at all. I’m ready to fight, just as I’ve been doing for the past eight years.”
Khan became president of the Alberta Cricket Association in 2022 and was appointed CEO of Cricket Canada in January 2025.
