Bangladesh Premier League officials have confirmed that Niaz Khan, currently serving as assistant coach of Noakhali Express, is under the watch of the tournament’s integrity unit following concerns over his background and claims about prior experience.
Khan, who was seen in the previous edition of the Bangladesh Premier League as the strength and conditioning coach of Dhaka Capitals, has now taken on an expanded role with Noakhali Express in the ongoing season. The league’s newest franchise has already played three matches, during which uncertainty around Khan’s credentials has drawn attention.
Despite limited experience at top-tier professional levels, Khan has worked across two consecutive BPL seasons. He has also frequently claimed in media and on social platforms that he contributed to talent identification in Afghanistan during the 2019–20 period and worked with the national side during the Asia Cup. Those assertions, however, have been denied by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
The matter has now been referred to the integrity unit led by Alex Marshall. BPL Governing Council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu confirmed on Wednesday in Sylhet that the issue is being handled formally.
“You know we have an independent committee headed by Alex Marshall, who has joined us,” Mithu said. “This may not always come out publicly, but many teams have been instructed that certain individuals cannot remain with the squad.”
Mithu added that Khan’s case was being treated seriously and had already been placed before the integrity team. “Whatever concern has been raised, we are taking it seriously. Any issue of this nature goes through the integrity process,” he said.
Reiterating the league’s stance, Mithu underlined a zero-tolerance policy from the governing council. He explained that decisive action has been taken in the past, even at short notice, despite financial commitments already made by franchises.
“For us, it has been painful at times. Teams have paid players and paid fees, yet suddenly had to remove someone. But we acted immediately because of that zero-tolerance approach,” he said.
The integrity unit’s review will determine whether Khan can continue in his role with Noakhali Express as the BPL season progresses.
