The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has charged three former officials with alleged breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code in connection with the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
The charges follow investigations conducted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board Integrity Unit (BCBIU) into alleged corrupt conduct, failures to report approaches linked to corruption, non-cooperation with investigations and attempts to obstruct or delay the investigative process. Among those charged is former BCB director and former chairman of the board’s Audit Committee, Muhammad Mukhlesur Rahman Shamim. He faces four charges under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Participants, 2024.
Shamim has been charged under Article 2.1.1 for allegedly attempting to fix or improperly influence the result, progress or conduct of a BPL match. He also faces a charge under Article 2.1.4 for allegedly encouraging or facilitating corrupt conduct. In addition, he has been charged under Article 2.4.4 for allegedly failing to disclose an approach or invitation related to corrupt conduct and Article 2.4.7 for allegedly concealing, deleting or destroying communications or information relevant to the investigation.
Former BCB Security Liaison Officer Zakir Hossain faces three charges. They include allegations under Articles 2.1.1 and 2.1.4 relating to match manipulation and facilitating corrupt conduct. He has also been charged with failing or refusing to cooperate with an anti-corruption investigation under Article 2.4.6. The third individual, former BCB councillor for Bogura District and former member secretary of the Audit Committee Rakibul Islam Sunny, faces two charges.
Sunny has been charged under Article 2.4.4 for allegedly failing to disclose an approach or invitation concerning corrupt conduct. He also faces a charge under Article 2.4.6 for allegedly failing to cooperate with the investigation, including non-compliance with a demand notice. The BCB said all three participants have been provisionally suspended. They have 14 days from receiving their respective notices of charge to respond as part of the disciplinary process.
The charges are allegations at this stage and do not constitute findings of guilt.The BCB said it would make no further comment on the matters at this stage.
