Match-fixing concerns have once again come to the forefront ahead of the twelfth Bangladesh Premier League. Despite no official announcement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) excluded nine local players suspected of involvement in previous controversies from the auction. Beyond this precaution, the BCB intends to maintain rigorous oversight throughout the tournament.
To ensure integrity, two officers from Bangladesh Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will be assigned to each team. One officer will be in uniform, the other in plain clothes. BCB Vice-President Sakawat Hossain confirmed that a formal MoU with the CID has been signed to establish this collaboration. Speaking to the media in Dhaka, he said the initiative reflects the board’s commitment to clean and transparent cricket.
“Our integrity team remains active, but the CID’s involvement adds an additional layer of oversight,” Sakawat explained. “Their presence with each team will ensure that all activities are monitored and any suspicious behaviour is immediately addressed.”
He further noted, “CID is the most sophisticated investigative unit in Bangladesh, with access to the latest technology, equipment, and the ability to monitor communications if necessary. Working with them ensures not only transparency for the authorities but also confidence for players and fans that our tournaments are conducted fairly.”
The twelfth BPL is scheduled to start on 26 December. The BCB hopes that deploying CID officers with each franchise will effectively deter corruption and reaffirm the tournament’s commitment to integrity, giving players and fans assurance of a fair and credible competition.
Khaborwala/SJ
