The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday announced that several players, team officials, franchise owners, and other participants have been charged for allegedly violating various provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code during the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). In an official statement, the BCB revealed that the charges stem from investigations conducted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board Integrity Unit (BCBIU). The probe focused on alleged corrupt conduct, betting activities, failure to cooperate with anti-corruption investigations, and attempts to obstruct investigations related to the BPL.
Details of the Charges
The BCB stated that the investigations covered alleged betting-related activities, corrupt approaches, failures to comply with Demand Notices issued under Article 4.3 of the Code, concealment and deletion of relevant communications, and failures to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO). Those charged include Md Lablur Rahman, a team manager, who has been charged under Article 2.4.6 for allegedly failing or refusing to cooperate with an investigation and not complying with a demand notice. He also faces charges under Article 2.4.7 for obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealment, deletion, or destruction of relevant information and communications.
Other Individuals Charged
Md Towhidul Haque Towhid, a franchise co-owner, faces the same two charges under Articles 2.4.6 and 2.4.7. Additionally, domestic cricketer Amit Mojumder and team manager Rezwan Kabir Siddique have been charged under Article 2.2.1, which relates to placing or entering bets connected to cricket matches. The BCB confirmed that all charged participants have been provisionally suspended and have 14 days to respond to the allegations after receiving the notices. The board added that it will not make any further comments on the issue at this stage.
Exclusion Order Issued
Separately, the BCB issued an Exclusion Order against Saminur Rahman under its Excluded Person Policy. This followed an investigation into alleged corrupt activities linked to multiple editions of the BPL, including the ninth, 10th, and 11th seasons. The BCB stated that the investigation identified alleged betting-related activities, corrupt approaches to players and agents, communications with individuals associated with domestic and international betting and corruption networks, and alleged involvement in facilitating corrupt conduct in relation to cricket matches. After receiving a Notice of Intended Exclusion Order, Rahman waived his right to submit a response and accepted the imposition of the Exclusion Order.
The BCB emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of cricket and reiterated that it would take strict action against any violations of the anti-corruption code. This development underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in cricket, particularly in franchise-based leagues like the BPL.
