The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has initiated an internal investigation into corruption accusations involving board director Mokhlesur Rahman, intensifying scrutiny over the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). A BCB spokesperson confirmed that the board’s integrity unit is handling the issue, and Rahman has stepped down as chairman of the audit committee during the investigation. Rahman, elected as a BCB director in October, represents Chapainawabganj as a board councillor.
The allegations surfaced during the current BPL season and were initially highlighted by journalist Riasad Azim in an investigative report on his verified Facebook page. While the specifics of the allegations have not been disclosed publicly by the board, prompt internal measures have been taken in response to the report. The investigation is under the supervision of the BCB’s integrity unit, led by former ICC Anti-Corruption Unit chief Alex Marshall.
Rahman has withdrawn from his board duties pending the probe, becoming the second BCB director this month to be involved in a controversy. In a previous incident in December, Bangladesh’s professional cricketers boycotted BPL matches following offensive comments made by director M Nazmul Islam on social media and during a press conference. In reaction, Nazmul was relieved of his role as chairman of the finance committee, although he retains his director position.
This development occurs amidst a delicate period for the Bangladesh cricket administration, as the BCB is also entangled in a dispute with the ICC regarding the country’s participation framework for the Men’s T20 World Cup.
