Bangladesh suspend former captain Ashraful for match fixing

Dhaka - Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday suspended former national captain Mohammad Ashraful from all forms of cricket after he confessed to his role in match fixing during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The suspension of 28-year-old Ashraful — who has represented Mumbai Indians in the IPL — is the latest in the spot fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that has affected Indian cricket with the arrest of three Rajasthan Royals cricketers, including international fast bowler S. Sreesanth.

Ashraful’s involvement in match fixing during the BPL was unearthed by International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).

Ashraful, who was leading Dhaka Gladiators in the BPL, is alleged to take taken money to lose matches.

“As Ashraful has confessed his involvement in fixing to the ACSU (Anti Corruption and Security Unit) team, so he should not be allowed to play any level of cricket until we get a full report of the investigation. We aren’t punishing him, but there is no scope for him to take part in any of the future competitions,” BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.

“I have spoken with Ashraful, he told me that he has confessed everything to the ASCU,” Hassan said.

The alleged fixing took place during a match between Dhaka Gladiators and the Chittagong Kings during the second edition of the BPL.

Ashraful was allegedly paid about one million taka ($12,800) to lose the Feb 2 match against Chittagong Kings. Local media reported that the cheque bounced.

Ashraful was also allegedly involved in fixing another match 10 days later, against the Barisal Burners, which his team lost by seven wickets.