The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (BCB ACU) has recommended a five-year ban for batter Minhazul Abedin Sabbir for match-fixing during the last edition of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL).
The recommendation comes after an ACU investigation into Shinepukur Cricket Club’s DPL 2025 fixture against Gulshan Cricket earlier this year, which raised eyebrows over two controversial dismissals.
In the 36th over of that match, 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‘s wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon to complete an uncontested stumping.
According to Anti-corruption unit documents, 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 irregular contact with a foreign number believed to be linked to overseas bookmakers.
Official 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.
The ACU urged the BCB to tighten safeguards in domestic competitions including communication rules in dressing rooms, the deployment of anti-corruption observes at key fixtures, and real-time monitoring of betting markets to detect unusual activity.
Sabbir will be required to undergo rehabilitation programmes should he seek a return to cricket. These may include addressing young players on the dangers of corruption as seen in other ICC member nations.
