The preliminary investigation report into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was meant to give the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) enough time to take corrective measures and ensure a corruption-free tournament this year. However, the board has failed to make use of that opportunity.
According to data from global betting agencies, the figures are alarming. Of all the suspicious (flagged) incidents recorded in franchise cricket leagues worldwide in 2025, a staggering 96 per cent occurred during the 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League, held earlier this year. The BPL has thus become one of the most lucrative and accessible tournaments for betting syndicates.
Investigations and Ignored Warnings
Following a series of match-fixing allegations and controversies surrounding the last BPL, the BCB was compelled to form a three-member independent investigation committee. The committee submitted its preliminary report in August, followed by a full report on 28 October. Both reports highlighted the alarming scale of suspicious activities during the previous tournament.
The BCB subsequently handed the report to its anti-corruption consultant, Alex Marshall, for further investigation. However, before completing the process—or taking disciplinary action as per the committee’s recommendations—the newly elected BCB board, led by Aminul Islam, has gone ahead with preparations for the upcoming edition.
This is despite the fact that last year’s BPL—organised hastily by the previous board under Faruk Ahmed, who assumed office on 21 August—was marred by disorder and fixing controversies after being launched on 30 December.
Now, the new board plans to stage the 12th BPL in even less time, with the tournament scheduled to commence on 19 December, barely two months after the new committee took office. Experts fear this rushed preparation could lead to more chaos, controversy, and corruption than ever before.
Accused Players Still Eligible to Compete
The controversy surrounding the forthcoming BPL is already intensifying, as the BCB intends to allow players named in the investigation report to participate. The board’s latest stance is that “no player will be barred unless allegations are fully proven.”
This contradicts earlier assurances that the BPL Governing Council would informally advise franchises not to draft any accused players.
A former national cricketer, speaking to Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity, said:
“The BCB knows exactly who was involved. They must not allow the accused players to compete. Otherwise, it sends the wrong message to the cricketing world—that corruption in the BPL is tolerated, even rewarded. Those involved in unethical practices will see it as encouragement.”
The 900-Page Investigation Report
The investigation report is vast—nine chapters spanning roughly 900 pages, containing detailed analyses of incidents and recommendations for future prevention.
Chapter 2 alone, consisting of approximately 300 pages, specifically deals with allegations from the previous tournament.
| Investigation Report Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Chapters | 9 |
| Total Pages | Around 900 |
| Chapter on Previous Allegations | Chapter 2 |
| Pages in Chapter 2 | Approximately 300 |
| Preliminary Report Submitted | August 2025 |
| Full Report Submitted | 28 October 2025 |
Experts note that, had the BCB acted promptly on the preliminary report in August, it could have made informed decisions regarding the accused players before launching the new tournament.
Franchise Selection Under Scrutiny
The current BPL’s credibility is further jeopardised by questionable franchise allocations. The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has reportedly informed the BPL Governing Council that two owners from the five participating franchises are already under suspicion. Moreover, 13 of the 36 suspicious incidents from the last tournament were linked to a single franchise, which is again participating this year.
The BCB had earlier claimed that financial solvency and corporate reputation would be the main criteria for awarding franchises. Yet, none of the newly approved franchises appear to have notable profiles or strong track records.
A senior cricket figure with extensive knowledge of franchise operations commented:
“When selecting franchises, three aspects must be prioritised—financial strength, the owners’ motivation for joining cricket, and experience in managing professional teams. Those lacking these qualities are the ones who typically get involved in corrupt practices. In some cases, franchise owners have even financed player payments through unethical means.”
Fear of Repeating the Same Mistakes
Observers warn that, unless the BCB takes corrective steps and allows sufficient time for preparation, the upcoming BPL could result in yet another disaster for Bangladeshi cricket.
“It would be wiser to delay the event and fix the issues properly. Rushing again, as before, might bring catastrophic consequences,” said the veteran cricket official.
Attempts to reach Iftikhar Rahman, Member Secretary of the BPL Governing Council and BCB Director, for comment were unsuccessful.
As things stand, the rushed organisation, questionable franchises, and participation of accused cricketers have left fans and analysts fearing that the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League could become yet another chapter in the country’s deepening cricket crisis.