BCB ACU recommends five-year ban for Sabbir over match-fixing

The Bangladesh Cricket Board's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has recommended a minimum five-year ban for batter Minhazul Abedin Sabbir for his role in match-fixing during the last edition of the Dhaka Premier League, the country's premier List A tournament.

The recommendation comes after an ACU investigation into Shinepukur Cricket Club's DPL fixture against Gulshan Cricket earlier this year, which raised eyebrows over two controversial dismissals.

In the 36th over of that match, opener Rahim Ahmed was stumped after stepping out of his crease against left-arm spinner Nihaduzzaman without attempting a return. The bigger shock came in the 44th over when Sabbir, after taking guard, crouched inside his crease and leaned forward, allowing Gulshan wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon to complete an uncontested stumping.

According to ACU documents seen by Cricbuzz, Sabbir was found to have breached multiple clauses of the BCB's Anti-Corruption Code by engaging with suspected bookmakers and failing to report approaches.

The case has been referred to the BCB's Anti-Corruption Tribunal for formal proceedings under Article 5 of the Code.

"Given the evidence, we are recommending at least a five-year ban from all cricket, with the possibility of eight to ten years or more," the report states in the finding.

"This reflects the severity of the offence and acts as a deterrent. Comparable cases such as Mohammad Ashraful's eight-year suspension also support a harsh penalty," it added.

The investigation also found Sabbir had been in regular contact with a foreign number believed to be linked to overseas bookmakers. Officials suggested international syndicates may be involved and called for cooperation with the ICC's ACU and, if necessary, Interpol. Officials stressed that while Sabbir's conduct was damaging, the case has reinforced the BCB's determination to fight corruption.

"This case is a wake-up call and will serve as a template for stronger anti-corruption efforts in Bangladesh cricket," the report concluded.

Alongside disciplinary measures, the ACU urged the BCB to tighten safeguards in domestic competitions, including stricter communication rules in dressing rooms, the deployment of anti-corruption observers at key fixtures, and real-time monitoring of betting markets to detect unusual activity.

If the tribunal upholds the charges, Sabbir will also be required to undergo rehabilitation programmes should he seek a return to cricket. These may include addressing younger players on the dangers of corruption, as seen in other ICC member nations.