Some Singapore cricketers disappointed, disillusioned by ‘light sentence’ for SCA chief
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Singapore's men's cricket team won gold in the Sixes format at the Cambodia SEA Games in 2023.
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE
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- The Safe Sport Disciplinary Panel suspended SCA chief Saad Khan Janjua from coaching for one year.
- Players are upset by the leniency of the penalty, citing abuse they say they have endured for years.
- SCA president stands by the panel's decision, saying Janjua's errors were as a coach, a role he no longer holds.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Several players have voiced their disappointment and frustrations with the one-year coaching suspension handed to Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) chief executive Saad Khan Janjua, noting that the punishment is too lenient and has “left players disillusioned about the system meant to protect us”.
On Sept 19, The Straits Times reported that the Safe Sport Commission’s disciplinary database, which is available on its website, stated that Janjua is suspended “from role of coach for one year
The commission, which comes under the purview of national agency Sport Singapore, said it had received “reports of concern in August 2024 which were assessed to be a potential breach of the Safe Sport Unified Code”. Safe Sport had reportedly acted after it received complaints from players who detailed verbal abuse directed at them.
Janjua’s suspension from his role as a sport administrator has already been lifted as he has since completed the course.
But several national cricketers – who requested anonymity to avoid jeopardising their playing careers – have questioned why the SCA did not impose additional sanctions on him.
A national player who spoke on behalf of those who had lodged complaints with the Safe Sport Commission, said: “While the players welcome the decision that he (Janjua) was found guilty under the Safe Sport Code of Conduct, we felt that the sentence was very light, with minimal impact and they (SCA) can operate business as usual.”
Conceding that the group of players do not have other avenues to pursue the matter, he added: “It is deeply frustrating and we feel helpless and hopeless. Despite enduring years of racial, verbal and mental abuse, the only consequence was a ban lasting less than a week. It is as though nothing has changed and he has returned as if nothing happened.
“The state of Singapore cricket is at its all-time worst and this decision has left players disillusioned about the system meant to protect us. We are also disappointed with the SCA leadership for not going further in the interest of the sport and its future.”
Janjua, 51, a Pakistan-born Singaporean, is a former national cricketer who also captained the side. According to his LinkedIn page, he has served as SCA’s director of coaching since 2010 and as chief executive since 2015.
He was also previously the national team manager.
The allegations occurred before the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. That year, Singapore defeated hosts Cambodia to claim the sixes gold medal for their second-ever SEA Games title. Janjua was national team manager and mentor during that campaign.
The Safe Sport Commission noted that formal investigations into his conduct commenced in October 2024 and concluded in February 2025. In March 2025, a disciplinary committee appointed by the chair of the Safe Sport disciplinary panel was convened to review all evidence, including hearing from Janjua.
When contacted earlier, SCA president Mahmood Gaznavi confirmed the sanction, adding that the national sports association would not take further action against Janjua and he would not be stepping down as chief executive.
Responding to further queries from ST on the fraternity’s reaction to the suspension, Gaznavi reiterated on Sept 20 that “Saad’s errors were committed in his capacity as a coach”, and that SCA had removed him from coaching duties after the 2023 SEA Games.
He added: “Complying with Safe Sport’s prohibition will mean he is out of coaching until September 2026 and that is effectively 3½ years from May 2023. Safe Sport completed its inquiry after hearing everyone and its decision binds the complainants, the defendant and SCA.
“The verdict (from Safe Sport) took into account all factors, both aggravating and mitigating, if any. And the SCA is duty-bound to implement that decision.”
