![Bangladesh Premier League In Crisis [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755512304345_Bangladesh_Premier_League (1).jpg)
Bangladesh Premier League In Crisis [Source: AFP]
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is going through a major crisis. Its image has been falling for years, but now things look even worse. A recent investigation confirmed that several teams and players were involved in match-fixing during the last BPL season, the same one where Fortune Barishal won by three wickets in February 2025.
According to a report by Prothom Alo, the BPL investigation committee found 36 unusual incidents in the previous season. These included strange batting and bowling patterns that raised suspicion. Around 10 to 12 players were flagged, including two current Bangladesh internationals, a pace bowler and an off-spinner. Some domestic players were also caught deliberately bowling wides and poor deliveries to influence match results.
Many people have questioned why only a preliminary report has been released. Committee member Khaled H Chowdhury explained that it was necessary to share early findings before the new BPL season begins.
The goal was to warn Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about franchise selections and player drafts. The final report, however, will be submitted next month and will include detailed evidence about the suspicious incidents and the accused individuals.
Who All Are Involved?
The players have been divided into categories based on evidence. Three to four cricketers were marked as “highly flagged” with strong proof against them, while others were considered “medium” or “low flagged.”
Shockingly, one of the accused recently toured Sri Lanka with the national team. Most of the others are over 35, meaning their international careers are nearly over, but their reputations have been badly damaged.
The report also revealed that a member of the BCB sub-committee helped arrange deals with franchises. Moreover, officials from Durbar Rajshahi, Sylhet Strikers, and Dhaka Capitals admitted to their roles in fixing.
The probe recommended that all accused players and officials remain banned until proven innocent. Worryingly, some TV channels were also found airing betting ads, earning nearly 170–180 crore taka illegally.
In one shocking case from the 2023–24 season, a franchise was offered 40 billion taka to lose a match. Although it is unclear if they accepted, they failed to report the offer, as rules require.
The committee has suggested reforms, such as restructuring the BCB’s anti-corruption unit, updating betting laws, and giving the BCB more legal power. The BCB has already appointed Alex Marshall, former ICC anti-corruption chief, to lead its new unit.
