Bangladesh Premier League has faced plenty of controversy since it’s initial edition. On the field and off the field, controversies just keep happening in that league. Recent reports from are arising that BCB is taking strong actions as they suspect some foul play once again this season. It was confirmed that their players and officials were questioned. One franchise said they protested against the conduct of integrity officials. BCB has acted strongly and have reportedly questioned multiple players regarding any approaches made to them.
Ahead of this edition as many as 10 players were not allowed to take part in auction suspecting that they might have fixed matches in the past. Animal Haque is one of those player who was part of the list. This season even after these complaints, the BCB stood firm in its support of the integrity unit. The board said these steps are part of its zero tolerance policy against corruption. Such measures have helped reduce suspicious activities by nearly 80 per cent in the recent past.
When questioned about this, BCB insisted that no player’s rights were violated and that all actions were taken under ICC anti-corruption guidelines. This issue been at the centre of the storm. Afghanistan player Rahmanullah Gurbaz who is part of the Dhaka team in this BPL has felt uneasy due to this issue. Reports suggest that he was so upset by the situation that he even thought about leaving Bangladesh midway through the tournament.
Mohammad Mithun who is the captain of Dhaka also confirmed that off-field matters have affected the team. He said Gurbaz has been mentally disturbed and that it has impacted the squad. He added that the team has tried to support Gurbaz emotionally. While he also admitted that how a player deals with such pressure depends on the individual. Mithun further revealed that reports about Gurbaz thinking of leaving the tournament mid way was true and that team management talked with him and provided him support
Another franchise owner said his franchise already suffers financial losses each season and that added pressure from off field issues makes it harder to operate. He warned that continued treatment like this could make it impossible for them to continue in the tournament. Bangladesh Premier league once again is in the spotlight but for all the wrong reasons.
