2 weeks given to plead guilty or defend themselves
Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has found the involvement of nine individuals in match fixing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), 2013.
Of the nine individuals, seven have been charged with fixing-related offences, while the remaining two with failure to report corrupt approaches.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson made the disclosure at a press conference jointly arranged with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held at a city hotel on Tuesday. BCB president Nazmul Hassan, MP was also present.
David Richardson also said there will be a three-member tribunal, including a representative from the BCB disciplinary committee, which will determine the degree of penalties for offences allegedly committed in violation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Code.
He, however, did not mention the names of the individuals. “Due to the right to provision and possibility of widespread media speculation, we won’t reveal any name today.”
The identities of the nine individuals will be disclosed once the disciplinary proceedings are done. However, Mohammad Ashraful, the youngest Test centurion, has already confessed to his guilt.
The BCB has been authorised to take the final decision regarding punishment against Ashraful and it will deliver its judgment after hearing.
“We’ve full respect to whatever decision the BCB comes up with,” the ICC Chief Executive said adding that if proven guilty, they may be awarded five years to lifetime ban in all forms of cricket while those failing to report fixing developments might be given bans from two to five years.
Those charged now have two weeks to specify whether they wish to plead guilty or to defend themselves in a full hearing, which would take place before the Anti-Corruption Tribunal.
The nine has been suspended from all versions of cricket for two weeks organised or recognised by the BCB, the ICC or of the ICC’s Member associations, till the disciplinary proceedings brought against them are resolved. By this time, they will have to appeal to the authorities to review the decision.
BCB President Nazmul Hassan said those found guilty will be dealt with severely.
“The BCB is committed to doing everything possible to defend it from the very small group of people who are willing to compromise the values of the overwhelming majority for personal greed and, in doing so, bring disgrace upon themselves and their associates, as well as tarnishing the image of the game,” he said.
The issue of match fixing in the BPL and international cricket rocked the country in June this year.
Source: UNB Connect
