Noakhali Express assistant coach Niaz Khan under BCB probe

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam said on Wednesday that a member of the Noakhali Express team management is under investigation by the BCB's Integrity Unit.

This follows a report in the Daily Sun on December 31, which raised questions about the identity of assistant coach Niaz Khan. The report noted that Niaz claimed to have worked with the Afghanistan national team during the Asia Cup, a claim denied by Afghanistan Cricket Board officials when contacted for verification.

"They (BCB Integrity Unit) are well aware about the development and are working on it," Aminul Islam told Cricbuzz. "It's confidential, so I cannot disclose much, but they are well aware about this."

Mahin M Rahman, counsel to the BCB's Integrity Unit, confirmed that Niaz is under ongoing investigation. "I got confirmation from my head (Alex Marshall) that this is already under a live investigation," said Mahin, adding he is aware Niaz worked with Dhaka Capitals in the previous season. "Yes, I know that, and there are some more connections here as well," he stated without elaboration.

The BCB's official confirmation came hours after BPL Governing Council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman told reporters at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium that they are not ready to compromise on integrity issues.

"We take every issue very seriously," he said. "That is why we have put pressure on teams on two clear points: player payments must be made, and integrity must be maintained."

"Because of that zero tolerance, you are seeing things like teams withdrawing even after being awarded a franchise. That has been painful for us," he added, noting they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the BPL is completed without any criticism of fixing—a recurring issue with the tournament.

"We have an independent committee headed by Alex Marshall, and instructions have gone from us to many teams that certain people cannot stay with the team," Iftekhar said.

It remains to be seen how the BCB will deal with Niaz, who is currently a topic of discussion in Sylhet.