The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) finds itself at the centre of a major controversy after nine Bangladeshi cricketers, including senior players Anamul Haque Bijoy and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, were excluded from the players’ auction on suspicion of involvement in match-fixing activities. Although no formal bans have been issued against any of these cricketers, the BPL Governing Council made the decision following recommendations from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
Today, Alex Marshall, the head of the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit, clarified the situation at a press conference, shedding light on why these players have been kept out despite not being officially sanctioned.
Marshall’s Clarification
Speaking to the media, Marshall stated that while the investigation is still ongoing, the available information raises enough concern to advise caution.
“Let me complete the investigation with the information I currently have. I told the BPL Governing Council not to include them this season. I will not say more than that. I do not wish to infringe on anyone’s rights,” he said.
Marshall further emphasised that the issue extends beyond players alone:
“It’s not only about cricketers. Several individuals who are not players have also been barred from entering the BPL. I will not disclose their names.”
Signals and Evidence Used in Fixing Investigations
Marshall highlighted how certain non-verbal cues and on-field irregularities often serve as red flags during anti-corruption monitoring.
He mentioned that corrupt players sometimes use signals that can be interpreted by betting groups:
Making an unexpected wide on the second ball of an over
Changing bat grip colour suddenly (e.g., from yellow to pink)
Other subtle gestures commonly recognised in betting circles
Marshall noted that many such indicators are globally documented, and the ACU has detailed knowledge of them.
The 900-Page Report and Recommendations
A significant part of this decision stems from a 900-page investigative report, which includes recommendations to keep certain individuals out of the upcoming BPL season.
| Key Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Report Length | ~900 pages |
| Recommendation | Exclude several individuals from BPL 2024–25 |
| Reason | Suspected involvement in match-fixing or irregular activity |
| Formal Bans | None issued yet |
Why No Formal Ban Yet?
Marshall explained that suspending or banning a player is a lengthy legal process, requiring extensive evidence collection and interviews.
“Your question is why they are not banned from everything. We have only just received the 900-page report. To ban someone, proper procedures must be followed. We must speak to everyone involved. If found guilty, they may then be banned. The process can take several months,” he said.
Current Situation
Although no direct sanctions have been imposed, the ACU’s recommendation has effectively sidelined nine players from the tournament—serving as a preventive measure while investigations continue.
The BPL’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the league remains clear, even as the cricketing community awaits further developments.