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The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Thursday launched an investigation into the alleged irregularities associated with the match between Shinepukur Cricket Club and Gulshan Cricket Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, which was held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

In a press release issued on Thursday, BCB stated that they had taken note of the concerns surrounding the match.

‘The BCB wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and maintaining the highest ethical standards in cricket. The Board has a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of corruption or misconduct that may compromise the spirit of the sport,’ it read.

 ‘The BCB remains committed to ensuring fairness and discipline in all cricketing activities under its jurisdiction and will take the necessary actions based on the findings of the investigation,’ it continued.

‘The BCB Anti-Corruption Unit and the League’s Technical Committee have promptly initiated an investigation into the alleged irregularities associated with the match,’ it further added. 

The two incidents which sparked much controversy in the country’s cricket fraternity occurred during Shinepukur’s batting innings, who were chasing 178 in a do-or-die match to avoid relegation league.

Their number eight batter, Rahim Ahmed, was stumped off Nihaduzzaman when they needed 36 runs with three wickets remaining. But what raised the eyebrows was the fact that Rahim didn’t even try to play the ball that was spinning away.

But the stumping of Minhajul Abedin was more shocking eight overs later. He didn’t try to place his bat inside the crease despite having ample time as the wicketkeeper Alif Hasan fumbled to break the stumps the first time.

The loss put Shinepukur in the relegation league, and the win confirmed Gulshan’s spot in the Super League.

But the two incidents didn’t go without notice. Imrul Kayes, the captain of the Agrani Bank Cricket Club, later expressed his disgust regarding the matter on Facebook.

‘The media, cricketers, journalists, and commentators—everyone is stunned and outraged by an incident that took place today. And the reason is crystal clear—the disgraceful act that happened in the Dhaka Premier League has not only brought shame but has also tainted the image of Bangladesh cricket,’ he said.

Former national team captain Khaled Mashud exclaimed his disbelief also on a Facebook post.

‘How could it even be possible?’ Mashud asked. ‘It could only be seen in a scripted drama. A true player never does this deliberately because cricket never teaches the players this. There must be someone’s hand behind this. Whoever that is must be taken under the legal action. These are ruining the cricket of the country; action must be taken immediately!’