BCB Charges Three Individuals Over BPL Rule Violations

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has charged three former officials with multiple violations of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code over alleged corrupt activities during the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

In a media statement issued Tuesday, the BCB said all three individuals have been provisionally suspended and given 14 days from the receipt of their Notices of Charge to respond as part of the ongoing disciplinary proceedings.

Muhammad Mukhlesur Rahman (Shamim), a former BCB director and chairman of its Audit Committee, faces the most serious allegations. He has been charged with attempting to manipulate or improperly influence a BPL match, encouraging or facilitating corrupt conduct, failing to report an approach or invitation linked to corruption, and obstructing the investigation by allegedly concealing, deleting or destroying relevant communications or information.

Zakir Hossain, a former BCB Security Liaison Officer, has been charged with attempting to improperly influence a BPL match and encouraging or facilitating corrupt conduct. He also faces a separate charge of failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with an anti-corruption investigation and comply with a Demand Notice.

Rakibul Islam Sunny, a former BCB councillor for Bogura district and former Audit Committee member-secretary, faces two charges. These concern his alleged failure to disclose an approach or invitation related to corrupt conduct and his failure or refusal to cooperate with the investigation conducted by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO).

The charges stem from an extensive investigation by the Bangladesh Cricket Board Integrity Unit (BCBIU) into allegations of corruption, non-disclosure of information, non-cooperation and attempts to obstruct or delay the investigation into the 12th edition of the BPL.