In a startling development, the Bangladesh cricket community has faced a significant setback as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a five-year suspension on player Shohaly Akhter from participating in all formats of the game. This decision follows the player’s admission to various offenses, confessing to violating five clauses of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
The 36-year-old acknowledged violating the following provisions of the Code:
Article 2.1.1: Fixing or attempting to influence improperly or being involved in any agreement aimed at fixing or improperly influencing the result, progress, conduct, or any aspect of an International Match, including but not limited to deliberate underperformance.
Article 2.1.3: Seeking, accepting, offering, or agreeing to accept any bribe or reward to (a) fix or improperly influence an International Match or (b) ensure specific incidents occur in an International Match for betting or other corrupt purposes.
Article 2.1.4: Soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging, or purposely facilitating any participant to breach the provisions stated in Article 2.1.
Article 2.4.4: Failing to promptly disclose to the ACS (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) complete details of any approaches or invitations received related to corrupt conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.
Article 2.4.7: Obstructing or delaying investigations by the ACS regarding potential corrupt behavior under the Anti-Corruption Code, including the concealment, tampering, or destruction of any relevant documents or information.
Akhter was found guilty of illicit approaches during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 that took place in South Africa. The Bangladesh team ended at the bottom of Group A in the 2023 World Cup standings, suffering four consecutive losses without earning any points.
Having made her T20 International debut in 2013, Akhter has participated in just 13 matches, claiming at least eight wickets. Her One Day International (ODI) career consists of only two matches, with three wickets recorded. Following her admission of guilt, her suspension will take effect from February 10, 2025, and will remain in place for over five years.
Image Source: DNA India
