The recently concluded edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was rocked by match-fixing allegations, casting a dark shadow over the tournament.
In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formed a three-member independent investigation committee to assist in the probe after multiple reports emerged regarding corrupt activities and integrity breaches during the competition.
The committee is led by former Appellate Division Justice Mirza Hussain Haider, alongside former BCB Game Development head Shakil Kasem and international legal expert Dr. Khaled H. Chowdhury.
It has been learned that the investigation committee members are conducting interviews with several individuals involved in the tournament.
Dr. Khaled H. Chowdhury recently acknowledged the progress but urged patience, emphasizing that the process will take time.
“It’s a massive task, and we are interviewing a number of people, but we will need some time,” Khaled said.
“This kind of independent body is rare, and we are trying to do something meaningful,” he added.
“You will get an update from the BCB soon,” he assured.
Reports indicate that the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), acting on anonymous tips and media reports, identified eight matches under suspicion of spot-fixing and match-fixing. Additionally, 10 players are reportedly under the ACU's scanner, while the activities of four franchises are also being closely monitored.
Among the 10 players under investigation, six have represented the Bangladesh national team, two are uncapped Bangladeshi cricketers, and two are foreign players.
Regarding franchise scrutiny, Durbar Rajshahi and Dhaka Capitals have the highest number of integrity flags, with 12 each, while Sylhet Strikers and Chittagong Kings have six and two, respectively.
According to media reports, the eight suspected matches are Fortune Barishal vs. Durbar Rajshahi (January 6), Rangpur Riders vs. Dhaka Capitals (January 7), Dhaka Capitals vs. Sylhet Strikers (January 10), Durbar Rajshahi vs. Dhaka Capitals (January 12), Chittagong Kings vs. Sylhet Strikers (January 13), Fortune Barishal vs. Khulna Tigers (January 22), Chittagong Kings vs. Sylhet Strikers (January 22), Durbar Rajshahi vs. Rangpur Riders (January 23).
Source: The Daily Sun
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