BCB planning five-year ban over cricketer for match-fixing activities in BPL

The anti-corruption unit (ACU) of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has put forward a five-year ban for Minhazul Abedin Sabbir after the wicketkeeper-batter was found to have engaged in match-fixing during the previous season of the Dhaka Premier League. There were a couple of controversial dismissals in Shinepukur Cricket Club's DPL clash against Gulshan Cricket, earlier in 2025.

The first incident occurred in the 36th over of the match, when opening batter Rahim Ahmed was stumped without making any efforts to return to his place. The 44th over of the innings was when a more dramatic moment took place. This particular episode involved Sabbir leaning forward after the ball had been delivered to make for a straightforward stumping.

Sabbir was found guilty to have breached several clauses of the BCB's ACU after engaging with suspected bookmakers. The 27-year-old had also not reported approaches from the bookies, something which he should have.

"Given the evidence, we are recommending at least a five-year ban from all cricket, with the possibility of eight to ten years or more. This reflects the severity of the offence and acts as a deterrent. Comparable cases such as Mohammad Ashraful's eight-year suspension also support a harsh penalty," the report stated, as per Cricbuzz.

The investigation found Sabbir to have been in constant contact with overseas bookmakers through a foreign number, on which there would be regular chats and calls. The officials in close understanding of this matter believe that the involvement of overseas syndicates looks quite possible.

The ACU has urged the national cricket governing board to build tighter guidelines in place in domestic tournaments from now on. This includes stricter communication rules in dressing rooms and real-time tracking of the betting markets to monitor any sort of unusual activity.

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Sabbir will have to undergo numerous rehabilitation programmes if he seeks on returning to cricket. One of the various guidelines include addressing younger players on why not to engage in corrupt practices, like how it is already being implemented in other ICC member nations.