BCB charges 2 individuals over alleged BPL corruption breaches

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has charged two individuals with multiple breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, following investigations into alleged corrupt conduct surrounding the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20, the board said in a press release on Thursday.

The charges arise out of investigations conducted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board Integrity Unit (BCBIU) in relation to alleged corrupt conduct, failures to disclose information relating to corrupt conduct, failures to cooperate with anti-corruption investigations, and obstruction or delay of investigations connected to BPL’s 11th and 12th edition.

The individuals charged are Md. Abdul Kayum Rashed, former owner of Chattogram Royals in the 12th edition, and Md. Amin Khan, former operations/managerial official of Durbar Rajshahi in the 11th edition and Chattogram Royals in the 12th edition.

Rashed has been charged under four provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

These include Article 2.1.1, concerning fixing or improperly influencing the result, progress or conduct of a match; Article 2.4.4, concerning failure to disclose an approach or invitation to engage in corrupt conduct; Article 2.4.6, relating to failure to cooperate with an anti-corruption investigation; and Article 2.4.7, concerning obstruction or delay of an investigation.

According to the BCB, the latter charges include Rashed’s alleged refusal to provide his primary mobile device for forensic examination despite a demand issued under the Code.

Amin Khan has been charged under four provisions, including Article 2.1.1 and Article 2.1.4, the latter concerning allegedly soliciting, inducing, encouraging or intentionally facilitating a participant to engage in corrupt conduct.

He also faces charges under Articles 2.4.6 and 2.4.7 for alleged failures to cooperate with the investigation and alleged obstruction or delay through concealing or destroying potentially relevant communications or information.

The BCB said both charged participants have been provisionally suspended and have 14 days from receipt of their Notices of Charge to respond as part of the disciplinary process under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

The charges are allegations at this stage, and the disciplinary process will allow the accused individuals an opportunity to respond.

The BCB said it would not make any further comment on the matters at this stage.