Bangladesh Cricketer Soheli Akhtar Banned for 5 Years by ICC Over Match-Fixing Scandal

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a five-year ban on Bangladesh’s women’s cricketer Soheli Akhtar for breaching multiple anti-corruption codes. The ban, which was announced through an official statement, will be effective from February 10, 2025, barring her from all cricket-related activities during this period.

According to the ICC, Soheli Akhtar admitted to violating five different sections of the organization’s Anti-Corruption Code. The charges against her stem from an incident during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023, where she was found guilty of attempting to engage a fellow player in match-fixing.

During the tournament, Soheli allegedly approached a Bangladesh team member before a match against Australia and offered a significant amount of money to manipulate aspects of the game. However, the targeted player immediately reported the incident to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), leading to an extensive investigation.

Soheli, who last played for the Bangladesh national team in 2022, represented the country in 13 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two T20 Internationals, claiming a total of 11 wickets as a right-arm off-spinner.

ICC’s Statement on the Ban

The ICC detailed the specific violations Soheli Akhtar committed, including:

- Article 2.1.1: Engaging in match-fixing or attempting to influence the outcome, progression, conduct, or other aspects of a match in an unethical manner.

- Article 2.1.4: Encouraging, persuading, or facilitating other players to engage in corrupt activities.

- Article 2.4.4: Failing to report an approach related to corruption or match-fixing to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).

- Article 2.4.7: Obstructing or delaying an investigation by concealing, falsifying, or destroying relevant documents.

The report further stated that while Soheli was not part of the Bangladesh squad during the tournament, she attempted to influence a teammate by offering financial incentives for spot-fixing. The prompt reporting by the concerned player led to ICC launching a thorough two-year investigation before delivering the verdict.

Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Response

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cooperated with the ICC during the investigation and ensured that all necessary evidence was provided to the anti-corruption unit. The board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and educating players about the consequences of corruption in cricket.

Soheli Akhtar’s ban serves as a strong reminder of the ICC’s strict stance on corruption in cricket and the importance of players reporting any suspicious approaches immediately. The cricketing body continues to emphasize transparency and fair play in the sport, ensuring that such incidents are dealt with firmly.