Lucknow: In a major development in the cricketing world, Bangladesh spinner Shohely Akhter has been handed a five-year ban from all forms of cricket after being found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption code. The sport’s governing body announced the decision on Tuesday.
Violation of ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code
Akhter, 36, admitted to five breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption regulations. During the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup, she approached a fellow Bangladeshi player, offering two million takas (approximately $16,465) in exchange for deliberately getting out during a match against Australia. The targeted player reported the approach to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, leading to an investigation.
The spinner, who has played two One Day Internationals (ODIs) and thirteen Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for Bangladesh, made the offer through a series of voice messages posted on Facebook. Her actions were deemed a serious breach of integrity in the sport.
ICC’s Response and Ruling
The ICC, in its official statement, acknowledged that Akhter cooperated with the investigation and accepted responsibility for her actions. The governing body emphasized that avoiding a formal hearing helped save time and resources that could be utilized in other anti-corruption measures.
“The ICC has considered all of the circumstances of this case, including giving Ms. Akhter credit for agreeing on an outcome that avoids the need for a hearing and so saves considerable time and money for use elsewhere in the fight against corruption,” the statement read.
Following a thorough review, the ICC determined that a five-year ban was an appropriate and acceptable penalty for the offense. Akhter accepted the sanction without contest.
Career and Fallout
Shohely Akhter last played for Bangladesh in 2022 and was not selected for the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Her ban serves as a strong warning to players worldwide about the ICC’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption in cricket.
The ICC continues to implement stringent measures to curb corruption in the sport, ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of international and domestic competitions.
