The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is investigating allegations of match-fixing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Eight matches are under scrutiny for possible spot-fixing and match-fixing following media reports and anonymous tips. Ten players, including two overseas cricketers, two uncapped Bangladeshi players, and six national team players, are being investigated.Four franchises, including Fortune Barishal, are under the ACU radar. BCB President Faruque Ahmed has assured strict action if corruption is confirmed.
Key Highlights:
Bangladesh Premier League Under Scrutiny for Match-Fixing Allegations:
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 has been rocked by allegations of match-fixing and corruption, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to launch an investigation into eight suspicious matches. The investigation, based on media reports and anonymous tips, has raised concerns about the integrity of the tournament.
According to reports by Cricbuzz, ten players and four franchises are under the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) radar. The names of the players under investigation have not been officially disclosed, but they include:
- Two overseas players
- Two uncapped Bangladeshi players
- Six players who have represented Bangladesh at the international level
The Fortune Barishal team, led by Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, has also been linked to the suspicious matches.
List of Matches Under Investigation:
According to media sources, the following eight matches from the BPL 2024 are being closely examined for possible spot-fixing and match-fixing:
- Fortune Barishal vs. Rajshahi—January 6
- Rangpur Riders vs. Dhaka—January 7
- Dhaka vs. Sylhet—January 10
- Rajshahi vs. Dhaka—January 12
- Chittagong vs. Sylhet—January 13
- Barishal vs. Khulna Tigers—January 22
- Chittagong vs. Sylhet – Date not specified
The BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is analyzing match footage, player communications, and betting patterns to detect any suspicious activities.
BCB President Assures Strict Action Against Guilty Players:
Speaking to Cricbuzz, BCB President Faruque Ahmed acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but stated that no official statement would be made until the investigation is complete.
“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,” Faruque said.
He further warned that any player found guilty would face severe consequences, possibly ending their career.
“The punishment is severe if something is discovered during the investigation, and if I uncover anything, their lives will be drastically altered because I will not spare the guilty. It will be an excellent decision that is made once and for all.”
BPL’s Troubled Past with Match-Fixing:
This is not the first time that the Bangladesh Premier League has been marred by match-fixing controversies.
- In 2013, former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful admitted to spot-fixing in the BPL and was subsequently banned for eight years in 2014.
- Since then, the BCB and ACU have implemented stricter anti-corruption measures, but match-fixing remains a persistent challenge.
What’s Next for the Bangladesh Premier League?
The BCB is expected to continue its investigation and may summon the players and officials involved for questioning. If concrete evidence emerges, harsh penalties, including lifetime bans, could be imposed.
The latest controversy has put the credibility of the BPL 2024 at stake. If match-fixing is proven, it could severely damage the reputation of Bangladesh cricket and raise questions about the tournament’s integrity.
A Crucial Moment for Bangladesh Cricket:
The Bangladesh Premier League match-fixing allegations have once again brought corruption in cricket into the spotlight. With the BCB vowing strict action, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the league can maintain its credibility.
As the investigation unfolds, the fate of ten players and four franchises hangs in the balance. If found guilty, this could be one of the biggest scandals in Bangladesh’s cricket history.
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