ICC bans Bangladesh cricketer Shohely Akhter for 5 years on corruption charges

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has toughened its stance on corruption and match-fixing. The ICC recently banned Bangladeshi cricketer Shohely Akhter from all forms of cricket for 5 years due to corruption charges, setting an infamous record in the sport’s history.

Charges of bribery and related offenses decimate Shohely Akhter’s career

Bangladesh off-spinner Akhter is the first female cricketer to be banned for corruption. The 36-year-old, who has represented Bangladesh in two ODIs and 13 T20Is, was found guilty of multiple breaches of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code (ACU). Her offenses included attempting to fix matches, offering a bribe, failing to fully disclose a corrupt approach, and obstructing the investigation. Consequently, officia🧸ls banned he🍸r from all cricket for five years after she admitted to violating five provisions of the anti-corruption code.

Akhter’s corruption scandal

The charges against her stem from an approach she made to a Bangladesh cricketer during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Although Akhter was not part of the playing squad, having last featured for Bangladesh 📖in October 2022, her actions have led to severe consequences, serving as a stark reminder of the ICC’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption in cricket.

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The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) uncovered Akhter’s involvement in match-fixing through an investigation into her Facebook Messenger conversation with a Bangladesh cricketer on February 14, 2023—the day of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup match against Australia. Akhter attempted to bribe the player with 2 million Bangladeshi Taka (approximately USD 16,400) to get out hit wicket during the game. The player, however, immediately reported the approach to the ACU, providing crucial voice notes as evidence, 🌊despite Akhter deleting the files from her own devices.

During the ACU interview, Ak🌜hter admitted to sending the messages but initially claimed she was merely proving that Bangladesh players♏ were not involved in fixing. She also presented fabricated screenshots to support her defense, but forensic analysis exposed the deception. Given the circumstances, including her agreement to a resolution without a formal hearing, the ICC imposed a five-year ban, deeming it fair and proportionate. Akhter accepted the sanction, and neither she nor the ICC can appeal the decision. Her case serves as a significant warning against corruption in cricket, reinforcing the ICC’s strict stance on maintaining the sport’s integrity.

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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.