Bangladesh Cricket Board Pushes for Match-Fixing Law

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-05-29

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is taking a hard line against match-fixing, pushing for a law that would make it a criminal offence. Sayeed Ibrahim Ahmed, an ad-hoc committee member, confirmed the board's plan to work with the government after a fresh wave of corruption cases hit the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Ibrahim, who is also the son of the Home Minister, made it clear that the BCB has zero tolerance for fixing and needs stronger legal tools to back that stance. ### Why the BCB Is Pushing for Stricter Laws Now The push comes after the BCB charged several players and team owners under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code over a fixing scandal in the BPL. The board's Anti-Corruption Unit submitted reports that led to notices being served to five individuals. Ibrahim said that moving fixing cases from civil to criminal jurisdiction would make people think twice before getting involved. Currently, penalties fall under sporting regulations, not the country's penal system, which limits how far punishment can go. Match-fixing has been a recurring problem in the BPL since it launched in 2012. Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful was banned for eight years after being found guilty of match and spot-fixing during the 2013 edition. The 2014 BPL edition had to be postponed altogether due to corruption concerns.  ### What the Legal Process Looks Like Mahin M Rahman, head of BCB's legal team and counsel to its Integrity Unit, said the process will start after the Eid vacation. He explained that a law needs to be drafted by the Law Commission, then approved by the Law Ministry before moving forward. Rahman noted that a draft is already reportedly in the works. He added that match-fixing should fall under criminal law as separate legislation, not just tucked into the existing penal code. Several countries have already gone down this road. Sri Lanka, for example, passed laws targeting cricket corruption, with clear definitions and consequences for those involved in fixing or other corrupt practices within the sport.  ### What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket Going Forward Ibrahim is currently contesting in the BCB election scheduled for June 7 and is widely expected to secure a seat on the next elected board. His comments carry weight given the political access his position provides for pushing legislative changes. The BCB's message to players, officials, and organizers is straightforward. The recent bans and notices are a warning, not a ceiling. If the new law comes through, the consequences would extend well beyond sporting bans and could result in criminal prosecution. Rahman confirmed he will follow up closely with the government after Eid to keep the process moving. The intent is to build a legal framework specific to cricket and other sports, one that goes beyond internal board regulations and gives law enforcement a direct role in tackling fixing at every level. ### Key Takeaways for Cricket Fans - The BCB wants match-fixing to be a criminal offence, not just a sporting violation - The legal process involves drafting by the Law Commission and approval by the Law Ministry - Sri Lanka's approach serves as a model for Bangladesh - The push follows a fixing scandal in the BPL that led to charges against five individuals - If passed, the law could lead to criminal prosecution for those involved in fixing The BCB's latest stance signals a shift from reactive punishment to structural reform in how Bangladesh handles corruption in cricket. This move could set a precedent for other sports in the country as well.