sanjeev
khelja|01-02-2025
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has called for strict action against players and officials involved in match-fixing or spot-fixing.
Reports suggest that some matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country's top franchise-based T20 tournament, may have been compromised, prompting the board to closely monitor the situation after receiving anonymous tips.
As per media reports, BCB's Anti-Corruption Unit, acting on anonymous tips and media reports, has reportedly flagged eight matches in the tournament for suspected spot-fixing and match-fixing. Additionally, at least 10 players and four of the seven teams are currently being investigated for misconduct.
10 Cricketers Under Match-Fixing Investigation
Among the 10 cricketers under investigation by the ACU, six have represented the Bangladesh national team, two are uncapped Bangladeshi players, and two are foreign players. Durbar Rajshahi and Dhaka Capitals lead the franchises with the most integrity concerns, each having 12, while Sylhet Strikers and Chittagong Kings have six and two, respectively.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed stated that he cannot make an official comment on the match-fixing allegations until the investigation is completed, as there is a protocol to follow. He added that all events and suspicions during the tournament are being recorded for later investigation.
"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.
'Will Not Spare Anyone Guilty': BCB President
Ahmed warned that if any player is found guilty during the investigation, they 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 more league matches to go before the play-offs. The final of the tournament is set to be played on February 7 (Friday).