Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque Bijoy has expressed deep frustration after being left out of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) draft without receiving any official communication.
He is one of eight Bangladeshi cricketers, including former national players Mosaddek Hossain, Shofiul Islam, Alauddin Babu, Sunzamul Islam, Mizanur Rahman, Monir Hossain Khan, and Nihaduzzaman, omitted from the final draft list after reportedly being placed in a “red-flag zone” during an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption in the league.
Investigation Triggered by Fixing Allegations
Following allegations of fixing during the 2024 BPL, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed a three-member investigation committee. After months of inquiry, the committee submitted a 900-page report, listing around 20 individuals under suspicion.
The report was later reviewed by the board’s independent integrity unit, headed by Alex Marshall, who identified eight players with red flags. Based on that assessment, the governing council removed them from the final draft list published on Saturday.
“Bring the Proof Forward”: Anamul Demands Transparency
A veteran of eight Tests, 49 ODIs, and 20 T20Is, Anamul speaking to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) said he has been left in the dark and deserves clarity: “If BCB has the proof, then we obviously want to know. Bring the proof forward, show it openly.”
I haven’t received anything officially. My name is just not on the draft list. I called BCB so many times to find out, but they are not picking my phone.
Anamul said the uncertainty has taken an emotional toll: “If I am found guilty, the board should suspend me. But if they don’t have the proof, who will compensate for the mental and social trauma I am going through?”
BCB Defends Process, Points to Independent Oversight
BPL governing council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman explained that the exclusions followed the advice of the integrity unit: “We received guidance from the independent chair of the integrity unit on steps necessary to safeguard the league. Based on that advice, a number of individuals have not been invited to participate.”
Alex Marshall is one of the most experienced people in the world. If he marks someone as a red flag—someone he suspects—what option do I have? Allowing them would send a bad signal.
Responding to claims that he ignored Anamul’s calls, he said: “It’s true I couldn’t receive his phone, but if they have anything to say, they should contact Alex, as he is head of the independent integrity unit.”
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