BCB’s ACU recommends minimum five-year ban for Sabbir

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM

BCB’s ACU recommends minimum five-year ban for Sabbir

Bangla Press Desk: Shinepukur batsman Minhazul Abedin Sabbir is facing the prospect of a lengthy suspension after the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) recommended a minimum five-year ban for his alleged involvement in match-fixing, officials confirmed on Monday. According to a document obtained by Daily Sun, the ACU concluded that Sabbir breached multiple clauses of the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Code by engaging with suspected bookmakers and failing to report approaches. The case has now been referred to the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Tribunal for formal proceedings under Article 5 of the Code. “Given the evidence, we are recommending at least a five-year ban from all cricket, with the possibility of eight to ten years or more,” the report stated.

“This reflects the severity of the offence and acts as a deterrent. Comparable cases such as Mohammad Ashraful’s eight-year suspension also support a harsh penalty.” The investigation found Sabbir had been in regular contact with a foreign number, believed to be linked to overseas bookmakers, during the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) earlier this year. Officials suggested that international syndicates may be involved and called for cooperation with the ICC’s global Anti-Corruption Unit and, if necessary, Interpol. Alongside disciplinary measures, the ACU urged the BCB to strengthen safeguards against corruption in domestic competitions. Proposals include stricter communication restrictions in dressing rooms, the deployment of anti-corruption observers at key fixtures, and real-time monitoring of betting markets to flag unusual activity.

“Players must be reminded of their obligation to report suspicious approaches immediately,” the ACU added, calling for regular education workshops and scenario-based training. The report also criticised delays in action, noting that Sabbir could have been provisionally suspended earlier once substantial evidence was gathered. “This aligns with ICC practice to protect the sport’s integrity during investigations,” it said. Should the tribunal rule against him, Sabbir will also be required to undergo rehabilitation programmes if he seeks a return to cricket. These may include speaking to younger players about the dangers of corruption, as seen in other ICC member nations.

Officials stressed that while Sabbir’s conduct was damaging, the case has reinforced the BCB’s determination to fight corruption. “This case is a wake-up call and will serve as a template for stronger anti-corruption efforts in Bangladesh cricket,” the report concluded. The controversy erupted after footage from the Shinepukur–Gulshan clash went viral. In the 36th over, opener Rahim Ahmed was stumped after inexplicably stepping out of his crease against left-arm spinner Nihaduzzaman and making no attempt to return. But it was Sabbir’s dismissal in the 44th over that stunned the domestic cricket fraternity. After taking guard, he crouched inside his crease before leaning forward and allowing Gulshan wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon to stump him without resistance. This article was originally published on Daily Sun. [Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

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[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]