Some observers have smelt something unusual in the 13th match of BPL 2015 involving Barisal Bulls and Chittagong Vikings played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong on Monday. Visitors Bulls easily won the match by 33 runs. They ran into initial trouble being reduced to 3/12 after which Captain Mahmudullah and Prasanna resurrected.
The confusion arose as three catches were dropped at the boundary line almost in similar manner and all three resulted in over boundaries. At a critical stage of Bulls innings, Chigumbura bowled a very unusual over with wide, no balls and full toss deliveries. That over alone tilted the balance of the match heavily in favor of Bulls. If over 20 runs were not leaked in that over, Bulls could hardly reach 150. Bulls finished at 170/7 instead. When Vikings batted some key batsmen threw away their wickets. Kamran Akmal who does not have clean records as far as match fixing is concerned got himself run out in a childish manner. All these may have happened on usual course. But when so many unusual incidents happen in a match involving few players who had ill reputation there are every reasons for raising doubts and confusion.
BCB has decided not to involve ICC anti-corruption committee as watch dog against match fixing of BPL3 this time. Instead their own committee is tasked with it. When influential BCB officials of the past and present have active interest in different franchise we are not sure how strongly and neutrally BCB anti-corruption committee can police match fixing.
Match fixing was among the main reasons which led to suspension of BPL after its second edition. ICC conducted investigation proved the occurrence of match fixing in a match involving Dhaka and Chittagong franchise. Leading Bangladesh cricketer confessed his involvement. He along with some officials was banned. Dhaka Gladiator was also barred from participation in BPL. Ashraful is still serving his sentence.
The word match fixing was unknown in competitive cricket till UAE desert venue Sharjah emerged. Who does not know which mafia syndicates have made UAE as its safe heaven? Several players of different countries have found involved in cheating and match fixing. Unfortunately most of the match fixers were found as of Indian origin and most of players found involved were Pakistanis. Top players like Selim Malik, Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, and Hanse Cronjie were punished.
But the tendency never came under complete control. Three Pakistanis -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and budding youngster Mohammad Amir -- were punished for spot fixing, newer form of match fixing, scandal. They even served jail terms. But the three after serving reduced term of suspension are in the process of rehabilitation in international cricket.
Franchise based T20 achieved worldwide popularity following Lolit Modi initiated IPL in India. Bollywood stars and Indian business tycoons got actively involved in IPL. Serious incidents of match fixing and corruption emerged in IPL. Even people like Lolit Modi and Srinivasan were found involved. Teams like Chennai Super King and Rajasthan Royals ware suspended from IPL.
Bangladesh Cricket has made giant strides in international cricket off late. Many quality youngsters have started emerging who can serve Bangladesh with a strong nucleus in future. But BCB is not above controversies. In many areas still there are allegations of corruptions and lack of transparencies. On the backdrop of these we are not very sure that BCB can ensure a match fixing free BPL 3 as allegation has already surfaced.
We may question the logic of allowing franchise engaged players who had past proven records of getting involved in match fixing. We do not want any of established national players or budding talents become victim of circumstances. Hope BCB will remain alert and vigilant now as the tournament has reached business session. The matches may be traded now as teams are now endeavoring to reach top four.
BDST: 1048 HRS, DEC 01, 2015
SR
