BCB ACU Recommends Five-Year Ban for Sabbir Over Match-Fixing

The Bangladesh Cricket Board's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has recommended a minimum five-year ban for batter Minhazul Abedin Sabbir for his role in match-fixing during the Dhaka Premier League.

The recommendation comes after an ACU investigation into Shinepukur Cricket Club's DPL fixture against Gulshan Cricket, which raised eyebrows over two controversial dismissals. Sabbir was found to have breached multiple clauses of the BCB's Anti-Corruption Code by engaging with suspected bookmakers and failing to report approaches.

The case has been referred to the BCB's Anti-Corruption Tribunal for formal proceedings under Article 5 of the Code. The report states that Sabbir's conduct is a "wake-up call" and will serve as a template for stronger anti-corruption efforts in Bangladesh cricket.

The ACU has also urged the BCB to tighten safeguards in domestic competitions, including stricter communication rules in dressing rooms, the deployment of anti-corruption observers at key fixtures, and real-time monitoring of betting markets to detect unusual activity.

If the tribunal upholds the charges, Sabbir will also be required to undergo rehabilitation programmes should he seek a return to cricket.