This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Bangladesh’s National Cricket League cleared of match-fixing cloud
The BCB committee formed to look after allegations has confirmed no evidence has been found.
27 August 2015 • 11:21 AM
The suspicions of match-fixing in the National Cricket League (NCL), the domestic first-class tournament in Bangladesh, have been rested after the board’s anti-corruption unit declared no proof has been found. The match in question was a final round match last season between Rangpur Division and Dhaka Metropolis that was said to be fixed to have Rangpur claiming their maiden tournament win in dramatic circumstances, with only four minutes left for the match to finish. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formed a committee to look after the allegations after Khulna Division lodged an official complaint, in March this year. The tournament chairman Akram Khan, however, told ESPNCricinfo there was not any tangible evidence to cast a doubt on the match.
“BCB’s anti-corruption unit couldn’t ascertain match-fixing in the Dhaka Metro-Rangpur match. I have been told this verbally. We will issue letters to this effect in a day or two,” Akram was quoted as saying by the website. READ: Stuart Law appointed Bangladesh U-19 adviser ahead of ICC Under-19 World Cup
Khulna and Rangpur were neck-to-neck in the competition, before Khulna effected an innings and 24 run win against Chittagong Division to gain 24 points. But they were toppled by Rangpur, who bowled Dhaka Metropolis out on the final day of their subsequent game, with five balls left in the day, to move a single point clear of Khulna.
The committee that was formed to look at the allegations examined an audio clip that allegedly contained crucial evidence to point to fixing, but nothing came out of it. READ: Shakib Al Hasan roped in as face of Lenovo in Bangladesh and South Asia
“The audio clip couldn’t really prove anything linked to the match. The match referee’s report also didn’t mention anything suspicious. I shouldn’t make a comment about the investigation’s outcome. I am pleased that we can put this issue to bed now that another National Cricket League is ahead of us,” Akram said.
The tournament usually starts in January and runs for about two or so months.