Mohammad Ashraful expects lenient punishment after cooperation in spot-fixing investigation

Mohammad Ashraful of Bangladesh

Star batsman Mohammad Ashraful expects a more lenient stand from the ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) following his cooperation with the investigation of the agency.

The ACSU had been authorized by the ICC to conduct investigations over alleged match, and spot-fixing allegations in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The ACSU is expected to produce its report to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the course of this week.

An ICC team headed by its CEO Dave Richardson have reached Dhaka, and the team will produce a report which is expected to announce the verdict on Ashraful’s involvement in the fixing racket. Nazmul Hassan, the president of the BCB, will also be present at this meeting.

Mohammed Ashraful is expecting a reduced suspension following his confession and co-operation with the ACSU.

“I tried my best to cooperate with the investigation. Now if they take it into consideration, I think my punishment should come down to two or three years,” Ashraful said to ESPN Cricinfo.

He has also suggested that he will not be considering retirement and will be looking forward to making a comeback to the Bangladesh national side after serving his suspension.

“I will be 32 after three years. I believe it won’t be the end as there are many cricketers who played and are still playing at that age. (Sanath) Jayasuriya did, Sachin (Tendulkar) is still playing.”

The past few weeks have seen Ashraful present at a few social gatherings such as cricketer Tamim Iqbal‘s wedding and also the Iftar parties hosted by former BCB president Saber Hossain Chowdhury. These are being considered as moves by Ashraful to gather sympathy for the present happenings.

ACSU’s report is unlikely to name any new suspects in the scandal, only the findings of the present investigation are expected to be revealed.

Nazmul Hassan has revealed that an independent tribunal will be set up, within the rules of the BCB to decide the duration of punishment that should be meted out to Ashraful. This stance may put the BCB in confrontation with the ICC, who will expect their own guidelines to be followed.

For additional information regarding earlier reports on the Ashraful episode read here.