Toronto Blue Jays rethink fan giveaway event after bombshell investigation

Toronto Blue Jays promotional giveaways have been all the buzz this season, but one upcoming fan promotion is now in the spotlight for a very different reason.

Blue Jays fans have done whatever they can to get their hands on a Blue Jays giveaway, whether it's an Ernie Clement hockey jersey or a funky Addison Barger T-shirt.

Now, one of the team's most popular themed promotional days will look a little different.

According to CBC, the Toronto Blue Jays have cut ties with Cricket Canada. The organization will no longer be involved with the team's Cricket Day at the Park promotion on May 23.

The Toronto Blue Jays have partnered with Cricket Canada for the Cricket Day at the Park event since 2022. (@BlueJays/X)

The annual event, now entering its fourth season, was created to reach South Asian and Caribbean audiences who grew up with cricket and may have had less exposure to baseball. It is also aimed at expanding cricket's reach among Canadian fans who may be unfamiliar with the sport.

The decision to move away from Cricket Canada follows a CBC The Fifth Estate investigation that revealed allegations of threats, corruption, and match-fixing involving the organization.

For the past three years, Cricket Canada national team players and officials have participated in the Blue Jays' popular promotional event, including throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

With the Cricket Canada organization linked to a "violent criminal group and designated a terrorist entity," it's probably best for everyone at the game not to have the party involved.

Last year, the first 15,000 fans received a Blue Jays Cricket Canada warm-up jacket. (@officialcricketcanada/Instagram)

Despite the change, the Toronto Blue Jays have said this year's Cricket Day at the Park, including the Jays-themed sweater vest giveaway to the first 15,000 fans, will go ahead as planned, just without Cricket Canada's affiliation.

The team added that the day will still feature many of its beloved events and performances, including interactive ways to try cricket and learn more about the sport while enjoying the baseball action you love.