BCB Integrity Unit warns of more corruption cases

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Integrity Unit independent chair Alex Marshall has reiterated his determination to stamp out corruption in the country's cricket, warning that more cases could be announced soon.

"There are more cases under investigation. You can expect to see some more announcements in the coming weeks," Marshall told a press conference organised by the Integrity Unit on Saturday.

He declined to provide details of the ongoing investigations, saying disclosure could prejudice the individuals involved and undermine their right to a fair hearing.

Marshall said the unit had announced eight cases in recent weeks, with seven people charged under the anti-corruption code and one declared an excluded person. Some of those charged have already accepted the allegations and are awaiting agreed sanctions, he added.

He explained that investigations generally lead to one of three outcomes: charges are recommended when evidence is strong; individuals remain under monitoring when evidence is insufficient for charges; or the matter is closed when there is no evidence.

Marshall also clarified the position of nine domestic cricketers who were not invited to the auction for the 12th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He stressed that they had neither been found guilty nor cleared through an anti-corruption investigation.

An inquiry report, which ran to 900 pages, contained negative information about more than nine people, including local and foreign players and others associated with cricket. Marshall said he identified those in the report likely to participate in BPL 12 and advised the then BPL governing council that some could pose an integrity risk.

He stressed that his advice covered a larger number than nine and applied specifically to BPL 12. "There are no restrictions on any of the players. They've been playing," he said.

Marshall said the independent inquiry was separate from an anti-corruption investigation under the code and that he could not find anyone guilty or impose bans.

He said the BCB Integrity Unit oversees domestic cricket, while the International Cricket Council handles international cricket. The unit receives information from players, coaches, managers, journalists and the ICC, assesses its credibility before deciding whether to investigate.

Marshall said investigations remain confidential and praised BCB President Tamim Iqbal and the general counsel for allowing him to operate independently.    �"BSS