The BCB has taken an action against corrupt practices in BPL [Source: AFP]In a bombshell development, the BCB accused three former officials of breaking the ICC’s anti-corruption rules during the BPL 2025-26 season. While the investigation continues, the trio has been suspended immediately.The BPL has always been a controversial league due to repeated corruption-related offences. And this year also, officials have been found breaching anti-corruption codes, thus forcing the board to take action.Former BCB boss held in corruption caseAccording to a latest media release, the BCB have charged ex-BCB director Muhammad Mukhlesur Rahman, former BCB Security Liaison Officer, Zakir Hossain and former BCB councillor, Rakibul Islam Sunny of suspected corruption activities in BPL.Rahman has been accused of attempting to influence or fix a match, facilitating corruption, failing to report a corrupt approach, and obstructing the investigation.On the other hand, Zakir apparently attempted to improperly influence a match, facilitating corruption, and refusing to cooperate with investigators. Sunny, meanwhile, is also facing similar charges as Zakir Hossain, except for attempting to influence a game.Notably, all the accused are charged provisionally. The BCB have suspended them and given 14 days after receiving their Notices of Charge to submit their responses.Also Read - Bangladesh Lose Face As Dhaka Capitals In 3 Cr Debt With BCB UltimatumCorruption is normalised in BPL Having said that, this is not an isolated incident. Earlier, four people, including an ex-Bangladesh cricketer and team co-owner, were suspended by the BCB over betting charges during the BPL 2025-26 season. The involvement of such high-profile people threatened the credibility of the league. Yet, the BCB failed to take action. The accused were issued a show-cause notice and face temporary suspension, but a conclusion is yet to be found.Now, the involvement of a former BCB director has further raised concerns among Bangladesh cricket fans about whether they can trust the BPL league and the entire ecosystem anymore. The BCB have a tough task ahead to restore the league's integrity and earn back the fans' trust.BPL’s future in threatNeedless to say, the repeated corruption offences have pushed BCB president Tamim Iqbal to the edge. In a recent press conference, he confirmed that the BPL will not be held this year, meaning the 13th edition has been shelved. Iqbal said that the board wants to rebuild the league properly rather than rush its return. “I have said it a few times that I don’t want to organise BPL this way. One thing has to be said again. In one tournament, for the last two years, BCB has incurred losses of around 40 crore taka,” Iqbal told Daily Star.Interestingly, the crisis is not limited to corruption alone. BPL has faced repeated financial losses, with players accusing franchises of not clearing their dues.Moreover, BCB’s strict supervision to curb corruption attempts created an uncomfortable environment for players, especially overseas participants. Hence, unless a concrete framework is drawn, the BPL is unlikely to return.Also Read - India Secure Champions Trophy 2027 Hosting Rights, Venues Confirmed
