The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has clarified why several local cricketers – including Anamul Haque Bijoy and Mosaddek Hossain – were left out of the BPL players’ list, stressing that the decision applies only to the Bangladesh Premier League and does not affect their participation in any other domestic competitions.
Investigation and integrity concerns
Earlier this month, BCB president Aminul Islam received a full report from the independent investigation committee formed after last season’s BPL. The report was then reviewed by the BCB’s Integrity Unit, led by Alex Marshall, which recommended precautionary measures to protect the integrity of the upcoming 12th edition.
On the basis of those recommendations, the BPL Governing Council chose not to “invite” some players into this year’s auction. Member secretary Iftekhar Rahman outlined the board’s position to reporters at the BCB headquarters.
“We are not declaring anyone guilty,” he said. “But when there is a red flag, we must act with zero tolerance from an ethical standpoint. That is why these players were not included in the auction list.”
Applies only to BPL
The BCB emphasised that the exclusions are restricted to the BPL. They do not prevent the players from appearing in NCL, DPL, or any other domestic competitions.
Despite this, a number of the omitted cricketers have claimed the board acted without presenting any evidence.
Two national players – Anamul Haque Bijoy and Mosaddek Hossain – were among those left out.
‘The report wasn’t written without basis’
In response to complaints, Iftekhar pointed out the scale of the investigation:
“The players say it was done without evidence – correct. But the committee was led by a retired judge. They interviewed more than 60 people over eight months and produced a 900-page report. Their findings came from that.”
No declaration of guilt
He stressed that the decision is not an accusation of wrongdoing:
“We have handed the report to the Integrity Unit, where experienced people have worked on it. If someone is red-flagged, what do we do? Allowing them in the auction sends the wrong message. Within our jurisdiction, we can decide not to include a player. That can happen for many reasons.”
He added that the Governing Council has complete authority over the list:
“Over 500 foreign players applied, and we selected 260. The same principle applies to local players.”
The omitted seven
Seven players who appeared in the preliminary list were excluded from the final draft: Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mosaddek Hossain, Alauddin Babu, Sanjamul Islam, Mizanur Rahman, Nihaduzzaman and Shafiul Islam.
The BCB did not mention any names in its press release, saying it would be inappropriate to comment on individuals.
Some players have hinted at legal action. Iftekhar responded, “They can, but the Governing Council has full authority. If someone is injured, they are excluded; if someone is red-flagged, we exclude them. This is entirely our decision.”
