The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Integrity Unit is investigating further potential corruption cases, with additional developments expected in the coming weeks as the body intensifies its efforts to protect the integrity of domestic cricket.
BCB Integrity Unit Independent Chair Alex Marshall said at a press conference organized by the BCB Integrity Unit on September 12: “There are more cases under investigation. You can expect to see some more announcements in the coming weeks.”
The Integrity Unit has announced eight cases in recent weeks, with seven individuals charged under the anti-corruption code and another declared an excluded person. Details of ongoing investigations remain confidential to protect the individuals involved and their right to a fair hearing.
Marshall added: “Some of the people who were charged in recent weeks have already accepted their charges and are awaiting their agreed sanction.”
How the BCB Integrity Unit handles investigations
The Integrity Unit oversees anti-corruption matters across Bangladesh’s domestic game, while the International Cricket Council is responsible for international cricket, including international matches staged in the country.
Information about suspected wrongdoing can reach the unit through several channels, including players, coaches, team managers, journalists and the ICC. Allegations are assessed for credibility before a decision is made on whether an investigation should begin.
Marshall noted: “People make all sorts of allegations. Sometimes a team plays really badly and we get three phone calls saying they were all out for 50, they must be fixed. But that’s just an angry fan.”
Once an investigation is opened, the process remains confidential. Marshall has not publicly identified anyone under investigation during the past nine years, a period in which he has dealt with more than 100 cases.
Marshall explained: “If there is very strong evidence, I recommend charges. If the evidence is not strong enough to charge, people remain under monitoring and review for a period of time. Or there is no evidence and the matter is finished.”
Marshall oversees investigations rather than determining guilt or independently imposing sanctions. Where an investigation produces sufficiently strong evidence, he can recommend a charging report to the general counsel, who then consults with the BCB President before a decision is made.
He stated: “I cannot find anyone guilty. I cannot issue any bans. I oversee investigations.”
Marshall clarifies BPL player situation
The Integrity Unit’s work has also brought renewed attention to the status of domestic players who were not invited to the auction for the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League.
Their absence from the auction did not mean they had been found guilty or cleared through an anti-corruption investigation. The issue stemmed from a separate independent inquiry that produced a 900-page report containing negative information about a broader group of people connected to cricket, including domestic and overseas players and other individuals.
Marshall subsequently provided confidential advice to the then BPL Governing Council regarding individuals named in that report who were expected to be involved in BPL 12. His recommendation covered more than the nine domestic players whose absence from the auction attracted attention and applied specifically to that edition of the competition.
Marshall said: “The only advice I gave about not inviting people was not nine, it was a higher number and it was specifically for BPL 12.”
The independent inquiry was separate from an anti-corruption investigation conducted under the relevant code. Marshall’s role was to advise the BPL Governing Council on potential integrity concerns rather than make the final decision on who could participate in the tournament.
Marshall added: “There are no restrictions on any of the players taking part in cricket, unless they are currently charged, and none of them have been charged. Therefore, they are clear to play.”
Integrity Unit targets corruption in Bangladesh cricket
The Integrity Unit’s expanding activity comes with Marshall saying he has been able to operate independently, supported by BCB President Tamim Iqbal and the board’s general counsel.
Marshall said: “You are seeing in Bangladesh proactive steps to stamp out corruption in cricket.”
With several recently announced cases already progressing through the disciplinary process and further investigations continuing, the Integrity Unit’s work now extends across both active cases and the monitoring of matters where the available evidence has not resulted in charges.
