How Will Pakistan Players Be Informed About Corruption Risks in the Bangladesh Premier League?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PCB briefings aim to prevent corruption.
- Players must report any suspicious activity.
- Past scandals have raised concerns about integrity.
- Several Pakistani players will participate in the BPL.
- Maintaining the sport's reputation is crucial.
Mumbai, Dec 1 (NationPress) As nearly a dozen players from Pakistan prepare to participate in this year's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to have them briefed by anti-corruption experts to mitigate the risk of fixing approaches, according to a recent report.
Bangladesh cricket has recently seen disciplinary actions against certain players due to inappropriate conduct, leading the PCB to feel apprehensive about the significant participation of its players. Sources informed Telecom Asia Sport that Pakistani players have historically been vulnerable to bookie approaches, with several facing sanctions for match-fixing and corruption.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its anti-corruption unit to conduct briefings for players set to feature in the Bangladesh Premier League later this month. They must understand how to avoid falling into fixing scandals, and report any approaches to league authorities and their respective franchises,” the sources reported to www.telecomasia.net.
Emerging batter Khawaja Nafay and spinner Sufiyan Muqeem are slated to represent Rangpur Riders in the upcoming edition of the BPL, which is anticipated to commence on December 26.
Other players include Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Jahandad Khan for the Rajshahi Warriors, while fast bowlers Ihsan Ullah Khan and Haider Ali will join the new franchise Noakhali Express. Additionally, wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan will play for Dhaka Capitals, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will feature for Chittagong Royals.
“We have come to understand the significance of protecting our players from these pitfalls, especially after the Bangladesh Board's decision to exclude certain players from the League due to suspicions,” sources informed www.telecomasia.net.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board, following advice from their anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall, has communicated that certain unnamed players will not be permitted to participate in the auction, as reported.
“These players were omitted from the BPL auction based on observations, and no formal charges were pressed. Neither the BCB nor the inquiry committee has made any official allegations against these individuals,” stated the report from Bangladesh media.
The BPL faced a major fixing scandal in 2013 when the owner of Dhaka Gladiators received a lifetime suspension on suspicions, resulting in several players, including former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful, being banned. This controversy led the BCB to cancel the 2014 edition.
Moreover, the League continues to be scrutinized and struggles with payment issues for players. Mohammad Haris, Pakistan's wicketkeeper batter, faced payment difficulties last year, ultimately leading him to refrain from signing for the BPL this season.