Bangladesh Premier League [Source: X]Bangladesh cricket, which was already facing uncertainty due to T20 World Cup-related issues, suffered another major shock just before the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final. A few days before the final, serious match-fixing allegations were raised against a current director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Notably, these allegations came to light after a well-known sports journalist, Riasad Azim, released an investigative video report.Allegations against a BCB directorAccording to the video report, BCB director Mukhlesur Rahman Shamim was allegedly involved in fixing-related activities during the Sylhet phase of the ongoing BPL. The investigation claimed that several recorded phone conversations suggested his involvement in planning and coordinating fixing attempts around a match involving the Noakhali Express franchise.Furthermore, the report stated that Shamim was allegedly in direct contact with spotters and middlemen. These individuals were said to have met at a hotel in Sylhet’s Noorjahan area. During these meetings, discussions reportedly took place about fixing plans, money matters, and how the operation would be carried out. As a result, the allegations raised serious questions about the integrity of the tournament.BPL authorities respond stronglySoon after the video was released, the BPL Governing Council described the situation as extremely worrying, especially because a BCB director was named. From the beginning of the tournament, the council had followed a strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption.Confirming the development, BPL Governing Council Member Secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu said the matter had been officially sent to Alex Marshall, the head of the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit, for a full investigation. “This year we were extremely strict about fixing and approaches,” Mithu told reporters. “We operated at a level similar to ICC T20 World Cup standards. What has emerged is a phone conversation involving a BCB director. Whether this amounts to fixing or an attempt is not for us to decide.”Investigation handed to anti-corruption unitMithu also said that all recordings and evidence had already been handed over to Alex Marshall, who is now carefully reviewing the material. “The investigation is underway. We need to give him time,” he added. “Once the process is complete, he will return with his findings. There will be no compromise in this report, and there will be no attempt to hide anything.”He also urged caution until the investigation is concluded. “We have 25 board directors. Until guilt is proven, there must be restraint in judgment,” Mithu said. “But let me be clear—there will be no cover-up.”It is important to note that match-fixing allegations are not new to the BPL, as similar claims have surfaced in past editions without clear outcomes. Although Alex Marshall was appointed to strengthen anti-corruption efforts this season, the late emergence of these allegations has pushed the tournament back into controversy.At the same time, Bangladesh cricket is also dealing with another major setback. The ICC has replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup after the BCB refused to send its team to India due to security concerns. This decision followed weeks of discussions and further added to the turbulent period currently facing Bangladesh cricket.
