The curse of match-fixing has recently been brutal on cricket in Bangladesh. It is said to have started overseas during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and many of its matches were suspected to have been fixed. A regional match played in Bashundhara between Gulshan Cricket Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2024-25 is under the scanner for possible fraud. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has swung into action with an inquiry into the matter.
The BCB president, Faruque Ahmed, accepted that match-fixing incidents have come down significantly in the First, Second, and Third Divisions, but it is not totally gone. “I think fixed games have been reduced significantly in First Division, Second Division and Third Division but it has not stopped totally,” Faruque said.
Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks Bangladesh Cricket
The BCB had a cushioned partnership with any anti-corruption Commission (ACC) members who raided the BCB headquarters a few days ago. “I am sure the Board will cooperate fully with them as far as providing papers and documents are concerned,” Faruque said. Match-fixing in Bangladesh cricket is expected to come up with this investigation by the ACC. Faruque has assured that upon completion of the investigation, the BCB would take necessary action against any guilty parties.
“If the games are fixed, you cannot get good players because you are asking your best player to score a duck or you will ask your best player to bowl wides and no balls, and not take wickets, so that is not cricket at all,” he added.
Besides match-fixing, the BCB is also confronting the financial crises it has been facing recently, especially since finding broadcasters is difficult because of a dull market and possible sponsors for the upcoming series of Tests against Zimbabwe. However, it will be covered by Bangladesh Television (BTV), about which Faruque had made some comments showing his thanks to the state-owned channel. “We are thankful that BTV will telecast the series. Getting their slots was difficult; I must give a special thanks to the Secretary who is present here,” he said.
Faruque announced that the BCB is selling media rights for two and a half years and inviting EOIs for tendering, ensuring financial stability and preserving cricket’s integrity, amidst an ACC investigation.
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