Explosive Allegations Rock BPL: BCB Official Threatens to Expose Match-Fixing Evidence
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is once again embroiled in controversy, leading many to label the tournament the ‘Controversial Premier League.’ Beyond persistent issues of match-fixing and unresolved player payment disputes, the scandal has intensified with a BCB official’s declaration to publicly release evidence of match-fixing.
The controversy surrounding the 2025 BPL season has frequently hit headlines, primarily due to negative issues involving the Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings teams, including disputes over outstanding player salaries.
The Latest Feud: BCB vs. Chittagong Kings
A recent public spat between the Chittagong Kings and a BCB anti-corruption official has escalated the situation:
• Chittagong Kings’ Claim: The team released a press statement alleging that the BCB unfairly excluded them from a meeting organized to invite potential BPL participants.
• BCB’s Response: The BCB countered, stating that SQ Sports Enterprise Limited, the franchise owners, failed to meet the necessary financial criteria to own a franchise.
At a press conference yesterday, BCB Vice President Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain, Umpire Committee Chairman Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, and Cricket Operations Committee Chairman Najmul Abedeen Fahim all emphasized the issue of bank guarantees as a key reason for the rejection.
The Nuclear Threat: Anti-Corruption Official Speaks Out
Shortly after the Chittagong Kings’ press release, Rayhan Azad, an official from the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Division, made an explosive post on his official Facebook page:
Azad wrote: “Lawsuits will be filed against the BCB President, Chief Executive Officer, and HR Head. I am prepared to bring all evidence from the last BPL season before the media. I am ready to hold a press conference with proof and allegations of fixing.”
The Corruption Report and Pending Actions
The last BPL season was marred by payment controversies involving both local and international cricketers for Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings. Allegations even suggested that Chittagong failed to pay former Pakistan captain and team mentor, Shahid Afridi, correctly.
To investigate the deep-rooted corruption, a three-member inquiry committee was formed. The committee submitted a massive 900-page investigation report this Tuesday. Multiple media reports indicate that the committee investigated 36 suspicious incidents from the last BPL season. The report names 12 cricketers alongside several other unnamed individuals, but the BCB has yet to disclose any names.
The Shrinking League
The BCB had initially planned to organize the 2026 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with five teams. Eleven organizations initially expressed interest in acquiring a franchise. While single entities showed interest in teams for Dhaka, Cumilla, Khulna, Rangpur, Noakhali, Barishal, and Sylhet, two organizations each showed interest in Rajshahi and Chattogram.
SQ Sports Enterprise Limited, one of the applicants for a Chittagong team, was dropped by the BCB after failing to meet the financial standards during the interview phase. Consequently, the number of interested parties has dropped from eleven to eight.
