The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to form an independent inquiry body to help the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) with ongoing investigations and fixing allegations into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). This decision comes in between all corruption allegations against the BPL, Bangladesh’s top franchise T20 tournament.
Match fixing in BPL
The current BPL season faces serious corruption allegations. Reports suggest the ACU identified eight matches suspected of spot-fixing and match-fixing. These concerns are based on anonymous tips and media reports. Additionally, 10 players are under scrutiny, six having played for the Bangladesh national team. The rest include two uncapped Bangladeshi players and two foreign cricketers.
According to media reports, suspected matches
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| January 6 | Fortune Barishal vs Rajshahi |
| January 7 | Rangpur Riders vs Dhaka |
| January 10 | Dhaka vs Sylhet |
| January 12 | Rajshahi vs Dhaka |
| January 13 | Chittagong vs Sylhet |
| January 22 | Barishal vs Khulna Tigers |
Franchises under radar
Among the franchises, Durbar Rajshahi and Dhaka Capitals have raised the most concerns, each with 12 integrity flags. Sylhet Strikers and Chittagong Kings are also being closely watched, with six and two flags, respectively. Several matches have been flagged as suspicious, including Fortune Barishal vs. Rajshahi on January 6 and Rangpur Riders vs. Dhaka on January 7.
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BCB’s stand on match-fixing alligations
Following these allegations, BCB President Faruque Ahmed showed a strict stance against any form of wrongdoing. The BCB reiterated its commitment to maintaining the league’s integrity. In a press release, the board stated: “The BCB has also come across media coverage regarding potential anti-corruption concerns about the BPL. The Board reiterates its firm commitment to upholding the integrity and spirit of the game. The BCB strictly adheres to the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Participants and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in any form.”
“The BCB Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is continuously monitoring all matters relating to integrity within Bangladesh cricket, addressing them with due confidentiality and discretion. As part of its ongoing efforts, the BCB is in the process of establishing an independent inquiry body to further support the ACU in its investigations,” the statement continued.
“The BCB remains dedicated to ensuring a fair and transparent cricketing environment and will continue to take all necessary actions to safeguard the integrity of the sport in Bangladesh,” it added, reinforcing their dedication to a fair and transparent cricketing environment.
