BCB’s Independent Committee Prepares Preliminary Report on Spot-Fixing in 11th BPL

The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) independent investigation committee has completed the bulk of its work into allegations of spot-fixing in the 11th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The committee has compiled over 3,000 pages from around 300 hours of audio recordings of conversations with involved parties.

The preliminary report is expected to be submitted to BCB President Aminul Islam within the next week.

Background of the Investigation

The three-member committee was formed in February by the BCB’s previous board, led by former president Faruque Ahmed, to examine spot-fixing allegations in the most recent BPL season. The panel is chaired by former Appellate Division judge Mirza Hossein Haider, with international lawyer Khaled H Chowdhury and former cricketer Shakil Kasem as members.

Committee member Khaled Chowdhury explained that the preliminary report focuses on alerting the BCB ahead of the next BPL season. It outlines why spot-fixing occurs, measures the BCB should adopt to prevent it, and recommendations regarding franchise structures. The detailed final report, expected next month, will include names of accused individuals and specifics of suspicious incidents.

Findings and Accused

In the 2024–25 BPL, the committee identified 36 suspicious incidents. Preliminary investigations have flagged 10–12 cricketers, with 3–4 classified as “high flagged,” indicating almost-confirmed allegations. Among these are two former national team players—a pace bowler and an off-spinner—as well as another pace bowler who drew attention for bowling unusual wides.

Other accused players fall under “medium” or “low flagged” categories, meaning the allegations are not fully verified but cannot be dismissed. Several incidents involved questionable captaincy decisions, such as giving the ball to a foreign bowler with little practice, resulting in critical match losses.

Most accused players are over 35 and no longer contenders for the national team, though one recent Sri Lanka tour player is also implicated. Additionally, a franchise coach and a BCB sub-committee member linked to a franchise are among the suspects.

The committee confirmed involvement of three franchises—Durbar Rajshahi, Sylhet Strikers, and Dhaka Capitals—in illegal activities like spot-fixing. Until proven innocent, these franchises, players, and officials may face temporary bans from BCB activities.

Concerns Regarding Broadcasters and Betting

The report also scrutinized broadcasters airing BPL matches, particularly those showing online betting advertisements. Some individuals linked to these channels may have indirect connections to spot-fixing. One broadcaster reportedly earned approximately Tk 1.7–1.8 billion from betting ads alone.

The committee found foreign and local betting agents were sometimes present in corporate boxes, with accommodations and transport arranged by BPL officials, highlighting gaps in anti-corruption oversight.

Additional Observations

While focused on the 11th BPL, the investigation also reviewed incidents from the previous four seasons. Over five years, more than 140 suspicious incidents were identified involving over 60 players, some appearing multiple times in allegations.

Notably, in the 10th BPL, a franchise reportedly received an offer of Tk 40 billion from bookies to lose a match. While acceptance could not be confirmed, the franchise failed to report the approach as required, and subsequently lost the game.

Recommendations

The preliminary report is expected to suggest:

• Restructuring BCB’s anti-corruption unit and extending its monitoring to all domestic tournaments.

• Updating or creating new laws on online betting, giving BCB legal authority to take action.

• Conducting forensic investigations into financial transactions of accused individuals, addressing gaps due to the committee’s lack of jurisdiction.

Limitations of the Investigation

The committee noted that BCB’s anti-corruption unit did not fully cooperate. They lacked access to bank records and other forensic evidence, limiting their ability to verify transactions linked to spot-fixing. The final report will recommend measures to address these limitations and strengthen oversight mechanisms.