The match between Shinepukur Cricket Club and Gulshan Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) has come under scrutiny. Former and current cricketers, fans, and even local and international media are criticizing the events. Taking the concern seriously, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the launch of an investigation.
It appeared that two Shinepukur players had intentionally thrown away their wickets.
In a statement on Thursday, the BCB said it wants to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. The board stated, “The BCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit and the league’s Technical Committee have begun investigating the alleged irregularities related to the match. The BCB is committed to ensuring fairness and discipline in all cricketing activities under its jurisdiction. Based on the findings of the investigation, necessary actions will be taken.”
Khaled Mahmud is the coach and secretary of Gulshan Cricket Club. He is also the joint secretary of Shinepukur Cricket Club, which is under his influence. Chasing a target of 179 runs, Shinepukur needed only six more runs to win. Around that time, a message was reportedly sent from the dressing room to Gulshan’s batters.
The manner in which Shinepukur’s wicketkeeper-batter Minhajul Abedin Sabbir got stumped surprised even the commentators, who called it “regrettable.”
Footage shows Minhajul stepping out to play a shot but failing to connect with the ball. Gulshan’s wicketkeeper Alif Hasan initially failed to collect the ball cleanly. However, the batter, appearing eager to get out, did not ground his bat. After the wicketkeeper broke the stumps on his second attempt, Minhajul finally brought his bat down.
The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, and several players have also shared it. After the match, no players from either team spoke to the journalists, who were also denied entry to the field. Gulshan eventually won the match by five runs after Minhajul’s dismissal as the last batter.
The BCB has acknowledged awareness of the controversial dismissals and has stated, “The BCB wants to reiterate its firm commitment to upholding the integrity of cricket and maintaining the highest ethical standards in the sport.”
