In a significant development in the world of cricket, Bangladesh offspinner Shohely Akhter has been banned for five years due to corruption charges, making her the first female cricketer to face such a ban. Shohely Akhter, who was last part of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team in 2022, has admitted to breaching multiple provisions of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code (ACU).
The Charges Against Shohely Akhter
Akhter’s breach of the anti-corruption code stems from an incident that occurred during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Despite not being part of the Bangladesh squad for the tournament, Akhter approached a member of the Bangladesh team through Facebook Messenger, attempting to fix a match. She offered the cricketer 2 million Bangladeshi Taka (approximately USD 16,400) to deliberately get out hit wicket during the match between Bangladesh and Australia, which took place on February 14, 2023.
The player who was approached immediately reported the matter to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, providing voice notes and screenshots of the conversation. Akhter initially tried to downplay her actions, claiming she was merely showing a friend that the Bangladesh team members were not involved in fixing. However, further investigation revealed discrepancies in her statements.
Investigative Findings and Akhter’s Admission
The investigation, led by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, uncovered that the voice messages sent by Akhter were deleted from her devices. Despite this, the ACU was able to recover the messages and the metadata, which showed that the files were created after February 14, the day of the incriminating conversation.
In her interview with the ACU, Akhter acknowledged sending the voice notes but insisted that her intentions were not corrupt. However, the evidence gathered during the investigation contradicted her claims. Akhter eventually admitted to breaching five provisions of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code, including offering a bribe, attempting to fix a match, failing to report the approach, and obstructing the investigation.
ICC’s Decision and Shohely Akhter’s Sanction
After reviewing the details of the case, the ICC imposed a five-year ban on Shohely Akhter from all forms of cricket. The ICC considered several factors in determining the length of the sanction, including Akhter’s cooperation in agreeing to a resolution without the need for a formal hearing, which saved considerable time and resources in the ongoing fight against corruption in cricket.
The ICC emphasized that this decision was proportional and fair, given the severity of the violation. Both Shohely Akhter and the ICC have waived the right to appeal the decision, bringing an end to the matter.
A First in Women’s Cricket: The Impact on the Game
This case marks a groundbreaking moment in women’s cricket, as it is believed to be the first time a corruption investigation involving a female cricketer has resulted in charges. While the ACU has conducted a small number of investigations related to women’s cricket in the past, this is the first time such an investigation has culminated in an official sanction.
The development highlights the ongoing challenges that cricket faces in maintaining its integrity, even in the women’s game. While the ICC’s efforts to combat corruption in cricket are well-established in men’s tournaments, this case underscores the need for continued vigilance and transparency in the women’s game as well.
The Path Forward: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures
As the sport continues to grow globally, the ICC’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of both men’s and women’s cricket remains paramount. The imposition of such a ban sends a strong message to players and officials alike, reinforcing the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the game.
Going forward, it is expected that the ICC will continue to implement rigorous anti-corruption measures to ensure that cricket remains a clean and fair sport for players and fans worldwide.
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Conclusion
Shohely Akhter’s ban for corruption is a significant moment in the history of women’s cricket. It not only sets a precedent for the strict enforcement of anti-corruption measures but also highlights the ICC’s unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport. While this marks a dark chapter for Akhter’s career, it serves as an important reminder that corruption will not be tolerated in cricket, regardless of gender or competition.
As cricket evolves, both on the field and off it, maintaining the game’s credibility remains the top priority for governing bodies, ensuring that the sport continues to inspire millions around the world.
