Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Integrity Unit’s legal counsel Mahin M Rahman has confirmed that efforts are underway to make match-fixing a criminal offence in Bangladesh, following the latest corruption investigation linked to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Speaking exclusively to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net), Mahin said the BCB is working towards engaging with government authorities to introduce a specific legal framework that directly targets fixing and corrupt practices in sport.
Nine Players Barred from BPL Auction
The push for reform comes in the aftermath of a major investigation into the previous edition of the BPL. Acting on the advice of the Integrity Unit, the BPL Governing Council barred nine cricketers from this year’s auction.
The decision was based on a 900-page report submitted by a three-member investigation committee, formed after match-fixing allegations rocked the league. The players were placed in a “red flag” zone due to suspicious activities identified during the last BPL season.
Learning from Other Cricketing Nations
Mahin pointed to Sri Lanka and other countries where match-fixing has already been criminalised through targeted legislation.
In several countries, including Sri Lanka, it has been criminalised very specifically in relation to cricket. The law directly targets fixing and corruption in the sport. He emphasised that Bangladesh is aiming for a standalone law, rather than relying on fragmented legal provisions.
Towards a Single, Clear Legal Framework
According to Mahin, the current system, where corruption is addressed partly through the Anti-Corruption Code and partly through the Gambling Act, creates confusion and weak enforcement.
There will be a specific law that clearly addresses fixing and corrupt practices in cricket and other sports. It will fall under criminal law, but as a separate statute—much like a Gambling Act.
“That would give the whole system a proper structure. Everything would come under one single law, and that is what we are working towards.”
Post-Election Talks Planned with Government
Mahin confirmed that the BCB plans to formally approach the government after Bangladesh’s next general election, scheduled for 12 February 2026, to move the process forward.
This can be done through an ordinance, or if Parliament sits, by inserting a clause into an existing law.
He added that the initiative is part of a long-standing effort to strengthen Bangladesh’s legal response to gambling and corruption.
“I have personally been working on this for a long time. I have a public-interest writ pending challenging online gambling, and the court has already instructed the government to formulate a legal response,” he said.
