Investigation confirms large scale match-fixing in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL): Reports

A report from a Bangladesh daily has stated that a large number of matches are fixed in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). It further stated that many teams and players were involved in questionable behavior in the last edition of the BPL.

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According to a report by Prothom Alo, the BPL investigating committee discovered thirty-six odd incidents from the previous season. This raises serious concerns about the league's integrity.  

Ten to twelve cricket players were identified, including one pace bowler, one off-spinner, and two current Bangladesh internationals. A number of others, including domestic players, were discovered purposefully bowling dubious deliveries and suspicious wides.

More than three players were classified as "highly flagged" due to substantial evidence that connected them to unethical behavior, as per the report.

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Player named in Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka tour involved in match-fixing activities 

Investigators feel that some medium and low-flagged players cannot yet be granted a clean slate, even though they were not found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Interestingly, one of the cricket players on the list was a member of Bangladesh's squad for the recent visit of Sri Lanka.

The investigation also highlights how many of the accused players are already over 35, it is unlikely that they would rejoin the national squad, stating age as a huge factor. However, their careers are now marred by the stigma of rigging. 

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It's not just players who are at fault. Remarkably, the list also contained the name of a member of the subcommittee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and evidence of his involvement from franchise agreements.  

Officials from the Dhaka Capitals, Sylhet Strikers, and Durbar Rajshahi teams have acknowledged that they had a direct hand in orchestrating the match. The group will probably argue that unless these players, managers, and teams can prove their innocence, they shouldn't be allowed to play cricket again.

Even broadcast partners were questioned as part of the probe. For instance, it was alleged that certain TV stations aired gambling-related advertisements. According to reports, one station illegally earned between 170-180 crore taka from these advertisements. 

Since these facts were made public, the BPL's reputation has suffered greatly. Aminul Islam Bulbul, president of the BCB, will soon get the investigation's final findings. After this, those in charge will probably get severe penalties.

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