BPL Corruption Allegations, Several Individuals Charged, BCB Imposes Provisional Suspensions

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has charged several players, team officials, and franchise-related individuals over allegations of corruption, betting activities, and non-cooperation with investigations surrounding the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20.

In a media release issued on Thursday, the BCB confirmed the matter. Following an investigation conducted by the Board’s Integrity Unit (BCBIU), charges were brought against the accused for violating various provisions of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code.

Those charged include team managers Md. Lablur Rahman and Rezwan Kabir Siddique, franchise co-owner Md. Towhidul Haque Towhid, and domestic cricketer Amit Mojumder.

Lablur Rahman and Towhid have been charged with failing to cooperate with the investigation, not responding to Demand Notices, and concealing or deleting relevant communications and information. Charges against them were brought under Articles 2.4.6 and 2.4.7 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Meanwhile, Amit Mojumder and Rezwan Kabir Siddique have been accused of placing bets related to the result, progress, conduct, or other aspects of cricket matches. Action against them has been taken under Article 2.2.1 of the Code.

All accused individuals have been provisionally suspended. They have been given 14 days from receiving the notices of charge to respond to the allegations. The BCB also stated that it would not make any further comments on the matter at this stage.

Additionally, the BCB has issued an “Exclusion Order” against Saminur Rahman over alleged corrupt activities spanning multiple editions of the BPL. The investigation found allegations involving corrupt approaches to players and agents, communication with domestic and international betting networks, and involvement in facilitating corrupt conduct related to cricket matches.

Under the BCB Excluded Person Policy, Saminur Rahman was served a notice to explain his position. However, he waived his right to respond and accepted the imposition of the exclusion order.