The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB's) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has ordered a stern punishment of a minimum of five years for batter Minhazul Abedin Sabbir for his involvement in match-fixing during last year's Dhaka Premier League (DPL), the national team's List A tournament.
The demand comes after the ACU panel investigated the matter in game between Shinepukur Cricket Club vs Gulshan Cricket, which took place earlier in 2025, that caught the onlookers of foul play over two controversial calls. In the 36th over of that game, opening batter Rahim Ahmed was stumped while stepping away from the crease. However, what caught the eye was that the batter did not even attempt to get back to the crease, to try and save his wicket.
However, much disaster was to unfold, as in the 44th over of the game, Sabbir, after marking his guard, took on wired stance, crouching inside his crease and then for no reasons came forward, allowing the Gulshan team keeper Mahidul Islam Ankon an easy, uncontested stumping.
Also Read: MS Dhoni did not like me: Manoj Tiwary's scathing attack on former captain
According to ACU documents seen by Cricbuzz, batter Sabbir was found guilty of breaching multiple rules of BCB's Anti-Corruption Code, by continuously keeping in touch with suspected bookies and also failing to report such approaches. The case has not been referred to BCB's Anti-Corruption Tribunal for a formal hearing under Article 5 of the code.
"Given the evidence, we are recommending at least a five-year ban from all cricket, with the possibility of eight to ten years or more," the report states in the finding.
"This reflects the severity of the offense and acts as a deterrent. Comparable cases such as Mohammad Ashraful's eight-year suspension also support a harsh penalty," it added.
Also Read: Avneet Kaur opens up about controversy regarding Virat Kohli liking a picture
Sabbir accused of being in constant touch with a foreign number
The investigation also revealed that Sabbir had been in regular touch with a foreign contact believed to be associated with a potential bookie. Officials claim that international syndicates might have been involved and have been instructed to cooperate with the ICC's ACU. While officials claim that the batter's case is highly wrong, the BCB's fight has come as a huge relief and demonstrated yet again there is no place for match fixing.
"This case is a wake-up call and will serve as a template for stronger anti-corruption efforts in Bangladesh cricket," the report concluded.
Also Read: 'I have to go back again...' Rohit Sharma's heartfelt message leaves fans emotional
Alongside taking stricter action, the ACU has also given instructions to BCB to tighten measures in domestic tournaments, including stricter measures in communication clauses in dressing rooms. It is from this area that a lot of secrets gets leaked.
