BCB receive 900-page report on BPL 2024–25 fixing probe

The three-member independent inquiry committee investigating fixing allegations in the 2024–25 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has submitted its final report, comprising 900 pages, to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday, October 28. The committee has been conducting its investigation over the past nine months.

Earlier in February, the BCB announced the formation of an independent inquiry body to assist both the board and the BCB Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in addressing integrity concerns and investigating multiple corruption allegations reported in the media. The committee was chaired by former cricketer Shakil Kasem, with international lawyer Dr. Khaled H. Chowdhury and former BCB director Aminul Haque serving as members.

The BCB had previously received an initial report from the inquiry committee, based on which preliminary actions were already initiated. According to Aminul, the board has continued to work on those findings while awaiting the final report.

"We received an initial report in September, and today we received a consolidated report of 900 pages, which will not only be useful for the BPL inquiry but has also provided us with some guidelines. Since it's a large volume, we are working on it, and after receiving the initial document, we had already begun work based on that," said Aminul as quoted by Cricbuzz.

According to Cricbuzz, the inquiry committee’s findings include the names of several individuals suspected of wrongdoing. However, the BCB has maintained that it will not make the names public. BCB Vice President Shakhawat Hossain stated that the board will not allow any charge-sheeted cricketers to participate in the upcoming domestic tournaments, emphasising the BCB’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the game.

"Look we don't have the authority to disclose their names but everyone will eventually understand when they will not be allowed to play, and you must understand that we are not a court," said Sakhawat.

Everyone has individual rights and human rights so if someone has done something with a particular sport and his charge is framed in that case that individual will be kept away from the game," he added.

The development has also raised concerns about the reputation of players who might be overlooked in domestic selections despite having no direct involvement in fixing. Addressing these concerns, Aminul stated that the truth will eventually come out and the process will ensure transparency in due course. In a related move, the BCB has established an independent integrity body, titled the BCB Integrity Unit (BCBIU), to further strengthen its anti-corruption framework. The unit will be headed by Alex Marshall as the independent chairman.