The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recently received a comprehensive 900-page report from a three-member inquiry committee after conducting a thorough nine-month investigation into alleged fixing activities during the previous season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Despite the significant investment of time and resources into obtaining this report, the specific findings have not been disclosed to the public by the board, leading to speculation among observers. BCB officials emphasize that they are adhering to established protocols and regulations, particularly those outlined by the ICC Anti-Corruption Committee.
BCB Director Iftekhar Rahman Mithu stated that the board is following the required procedures before sharing any details, highlighting the necessity of due process, committee deliberations, and hearings in handling such sensitive matters. The report has been passed on to Alex Marshall, who has transitioned from overseeing BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit to serving as the independent chairman of the newly formed Bangladesh Cricket Board Integrity Unit (BCBIU).
The extensive report, comprising three distinct volumes, includes transcripts from interviews with players and officials, as well as determinations on both ‘victim’ and ‘accused’ parties, and identifies individuals under suspicion. However, further investigation is necessary to substantiate any allegations.
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has hinted that the identities of implicated cricketers will eventually be revealed, raising expectations for the actions that the newly established integrity unit will take in response to the findings of the report.
In a related move, Major Raiyan Azad, the former head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, has been relieved of his duties as part of the restructuring process within the BCB. The organization has faced criticism in the past, particularly for its handling of investigations, such as the controversial re-enactment of dismissals during a Dhaka Premier League match, which drew attention to integrity concerns in Bangladeshi cricket.
Additionally, the BCB is considering collaborating with the ICC to appoint officials from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit for the upcoming BPL, signaling a commitment to bolstering integrity measures within the league. Discussions with relevant stakeholders are ongoing to finalize the selection of officials for this initiative.