Even ICC Anti-Corruption ‘Red-Flagged’ Figures Show Interest in Owning BPL Teams

Despite strong initial interest from several business entities, concerns over integrity and compliance have once again cast a shadow over the upcoming twelfth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). According to the BPL Governing Council, eleven companies had formally expressed interest in acquiring franchises for the forthcoming tournament, but three were disqualified after failing to meet the required conditions.

Of the remaining eight, not all are guaranteed to receive franchises either. Shockingly, it has emerged that among the owners of these companies are individuals who are currently listed under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit’s “red-flagged” category—meaning they are under heightened suspicion or monitoring for potential involvement in questionable activities.

In accordance with ICC regulations, the BPL Governing Council forwarded the personal and financial details of all interested franchise owners to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit for vetting. The response reportedly identified a few individuals as “red-flagged,” prompting serious deliberations within the council. In addition, several of the companies failed to fully satisfy other mandatory requirements, such as financial guarantees and operational commitments.

As a result, the BPL Governing Council believes that, from the eight remaining companies, only four may ultimately qualify to own franchises. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is therefore considering retaining one franchise under its direct control, potentially organising the tournament with a total of five teams instead of the usual seven. A final decision on the matter is expected tomorrow.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that although the names of players suspected of corruption from the previous BPL season will not be made public, the Governing Council plans to inform franchises privately and instruct them not to include those players in their squads.

The BPL’s governing authority has reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and upholding the integrity of the tournament, insisting that no compromise will be made when it comes to the sport’s reputation.

Despite strong initial interest from several business entities, concerns over integrity and compliance have once again cast a shadow over the upcoming twelfth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). According to the BPL Governing Council, eleven companies had formally expressed interest in acquiring franchises for the forthcoming tournament, but three were disqualified after failing to meet the required conditions.

Of the remaining eight, not all are guaranteed to receive franchises either. Shockingly, it has emerged that among the owners of these companies are individuals who are currently listed under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit’s “red-flagged” category—meaning they are under heightened suspicion or monitoring for potential involvement in questionable activities.

In accordance with ICC regulations, the BPL Governing Council forwarded the personal and financial details of all interested franchise owners to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit for vetting. The response reportedly identified a few individuals as “red-flagged,” prompting serious deliberations within the council. In addition, several of the companies failed to fully satisfy other mandatory requirements, such as financial guarantees and operational commitments.

As a result, the BPL Governing Council believes that, from the eight remaining companies, only four may ultimately qualify to own franchises. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is therefore considering retaining one franchise under its direct control, potentially organising the tournament with a total of five teams instead of the usual seven. A final decision on the matter is expected tomorrow.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that although the names of players suspected of corruption from the previous BPL season will not be made public, the Governing Council plans to inform franchises privately and instruct them not to include those players in their squads.

The BPL’s governing authority has reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and upholding the integrity of the tournament, insisting that no compromise will be made when it comes to the sport’s reputation.