Match Fixing Rocks Bangladesh Cricket, 2 Charged For ICC Anti Corruption Breach

BCB books two BPL officials for match fixing [Source: AFP]The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has once again landed in the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons. According to reports, two officials of the BPL have been charged with match-fixing by the BCB.BPL, since its formation, has always remained in the news for corruption. Several players and officials were previously held for attempting to fix matches. Despite strict anti-corruption rules in place, the fixing attempts haven’t stopped, as yet another scandal has come to light. BPL officials held for match fixingAccording to the latest reports, BCB’s Integrity Unit has charged two former BPL officials with alleged breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The investigation covers alleged misconduct connected to the 11th and 12th editions of the BPL. Both officials were booked for match-fixing-related offences, which include possible corrupt conduct, failure to report approaches related to corruption, failure to cooperate with investigators and obstructing investigations. The two people booked are Md. Abdul Kayum Rashed, former owner of Chattogram Royals and Md. Amin Khan, former operations manager of Durbar Rajshahi and Chattogram Royals.Both Rashed and Khan have been charged with four alleged breaches, including alleged involvement in fixing or improperly influencing a match or its progress and alleged failure to cooperate with the investigation. Also Read - Ex-BCB Director Among 3 Charged Over BPL CorruptionWhat happens next to Abdul Kayum Rashed and Amin Khan?The BCB has formally notified Md. Abdul Kayum Rashed and Md. Amin Khan of the alleged breaches following its investigation. They now have 14 days from receiving the Notices of Charge to respond under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code disciplinary process. They have also been provisionally suspended while the disciplinary process continues. Interestingly, BCB Integrity Unit independent chair Alex Marshall said earlier in September that several cases were still under investigation and warned that more announcements could follow. At that stage, the Integrity Unit had publicly announced multiple cases involving people connected to Bangladesh cricket. So these two new charges are not an isolated development. BPL’s future sealed amid fixing controversyIn the aftermath of such repeated corruption and match-fixing offences, the BCB have decided to suspend the BPL. The board’s newly elected president Tamim Iqbal confirmed that BPL will be stalled for a few years until integrity and financial issues are resolved.However, Bangladesh's State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said he believes the BPL should be held every year because of its importance and popularity. He added that the government will sit down with the BCB to discuss the issue.It’s important to note that BPL is a key source of income for Bangladeshi cricketers, so cancelling the tournament creates a financial concern for players. Hence, the BCB subsequently increased domestic match fees to provide players with greater financial support while the BPL situation remains unresolved.Also Read - ICC Player Of The Month Award Announced, India Beater Rewarded