Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has called for strict action against players and officials involved in match-fixing or spot-fixing. Reports indicate that some matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country’s top franchise T20 tournament, may have been compromised, prompting the board to closely monitor the situation after receiving anonymous tips.
ABP Live reports that BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has identified eight matches for suspected spot-fixing and match-fixing following anonymous tips and media inputs. Furthermore, at least 10 players and four of the seven teams are being investigated for misconduct.
Among the 10 cricketers under ACU scrutiny, six have played for the Bangladesh national team, while two are uncapped Bangladeshi players and two are foreign recruits. Franchises Durbar Rajshahi and Dhaka Capitals have the most integrity concerns, each with 12 flagged instances, followed by Sylhet Strikers with six and Chittagong Kings with two.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed stated that he cannot officially comment on the match-fixing allegations until the investigation is completed, as the process follows a set protocol. He emphasized that all suspicious incidents during the tournament are being recorded for further review.
“Look, I cannot make any official comment in this regard until the investigation is completed because there is a protocol that we need to follow. The whole list and the events that happen during the tournament are noted and the investigation is done later,” Faruque told Cricbuzz.
Ahmed warned that any player found guilty will face severe punishment, and the decision will be final and exemplary.
“If during the investigation something comes up, then you know the punishment is quite harsh, and if I find out something, their life will be quite different because I won’t spare anyone guilty. The decision will be taken once and for all, and it will be exemplary.”
The BPL 2024-25 season is nearing its conclusion, with two league matches remaining before the playoffs. The final is scheduled for February 7.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
