Bangladesh cricket has been hit by another corruption storm, with the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit recommending a minimum five-year ban on batter Minhazul Abedin Sabbir. The Shinepukur Cricket Club player is under investigation for his role in a suspicious Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match earlier this year.
Match-fixing at Dhaka Premier League
The fixture in question, against Gulshan Cricket Club, came under the scanner after two dismissals drew widespread attention. One involved opener Rahim Ahmed stepping out to be stumped without intent, but the bigger controversy surrounded Sabbir. In the 44th over, he crouched inside the crease and allowed the wicketkeeper to complete a simple stumping without offering resistance.
Following an inquiry, the ACU report alleged that Sabbir had been in contact with suspected bookmakers and failed to disclose approaches, thereby breaching multiple clauses of the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Code. The matter has now been handed to the Anti-Corruption Tribunal for formal proceedings.
“Given the severity of the offence, we are recommending at least a five-year ban, with scope for eight to ten years depending on the tribunal’s verdict,” the ACU report noted as per Cricbuzz. Officials also drew parallels with Mohammad Ashraful’s eight-year suspension in 2013. Investigators revealed that Sabbir had communicated frequently with a foreign number suspected to be linked to international betting syndicates. The ACU has urged cooperation with the ICC’s unit and, if needed, Interpol.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
