In a stunning development in the world of cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed a five-year ban to Bangladesh women’s team spinner cricketer Shohaly Akhter
after she admitted to her involvement in match-fixing. The 36-year-old bowler was found guilty of breaching the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code on five separate occasions. While the ICC did not specify how many matches were impacted by Akhter’s actions, the governing body’s decision has reverberated across the cricketing world, sending a stern message to all players and officials about the severity of involvement in corruption-related activities.
This case highlights the ongoing battle against match-fixing, an issue that has plagued cricket for decades. Akhter’s case is the latest in a series of incidents where players have been caught in corrupt practices, and the ICC’s stringent response further underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
The International Cricket Council has long been one of the most rigorous sporting bodies when it comes to fighting corruption in cricket. The organization’s Anti-Corruption Code was established to safeguard the integrity of the game and ensure that players and officials act in accordance with ethical guidelines.
Match-fixing, spot-fixing, and other forms of corruption have had a disastrous impact on the reputation of cricket. The ICC has consistently demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to these offenses, using strict punishments, including bans and fines, to deter similar conduct in the future. Players and officials found guilty of breaches often face severe consequences, including lengthy bans, financial penalties, and public disgrace.
Akhter’s five-year ban is a clear illustration of the ICC’s resolve in upholding its Anti-Corruption Code. In a statement following the ruling, the ICC reiterated its commitment to eradicating corruption from the sport. The council also highlighted that Akhter’s case was being treated with the utmost seriousness, further emphasizing the strict nature of the punishment handed down.
The ICC’s relentless battle against corruption has seen a number of high-profile players facing similar consequences over the years. In some cases, players have been banned for life, while others have faced significant fines and suspensions. Here’s a look at some of the most notable convictions in recent years:
- Salman Butt (Pakistan) – Banned for 10 Years
One of the most infamous cases in cricket history involves Pakistan’s former captain, Salman Butt. In 2010, Butt, along with fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, was involved in a spot-fixing scandal during a Test match against England. The trio was caught by a sting operation conducted by the News of the World, where they deliberately bowled no-balls as part of a fix. Butt was banned for 10 years, with five years of the sentence suspended. The scandal shocked the cricketing world and highlighted the lengths to which corrupt players would go.
- Mohammad Amir (Pakistan) – Banned for 5 Years
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, one of the key players involved in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, was banned for five years by the ICC. After serving his suspension, Amir made a remarkable return to international cricket, but his case remains a reminder of the consequences of match-fixing and the long-lasting damage it can do to a player’s career. Amir’s return to the sport was met with mixed reactions, with some fans questioning whether he deserved a second chance.
- Mohammad Asif (Pakistan) – Banned for 7 Years
Another player involved in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, Mohammad Asif, was banned for seven years by the ICC. Asif had a promising career before his involvement in the scandal, and his ban was a significant blow to his future in cricket. Although Asif attempted a comeback after serving his ban, he never fully regained his former level of success.
- Shane Warne (Australia) – Fined for Betting
In 2003, Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, one of cricket’s greatest ever players, was fined for testing positive for a banned substance. Warne was fined for breaching the ICC’s code, though he was not banned from the game. His case highlighted the fine line between acceptable behavior and illegal activities in the sport.
- Hansie Cronje (South Africa) – Banned for Life
One of the most shocking scandals in cricket occurred in 2000, when South African captain Hansie Cronje was found guilty of match-fixing. Cronje had been involved in a scheme where he had accepted bribes to influence the outcome of matches. As a result, the ICC banned him for life, and the scandal had a lasting impact on South African cricket. Cronje’s fall from grace remains one of the darkest chapters in the sport’s history.
To combat match-fixing, the ICC has put in place a robust system for monitoring and investigating corruption. The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) was established to detect and prevent such activities within the sport. The ICC works closely with law enforcement agencies and other cricketing bodies to ensure that corruption is rooted out at all levels.
In addition to its investigative efforts, the ICC runs educational programs for players, coaches, and officials to raise awareness about the dangers of corruption. These programs emphasize the importance of maintaining the sport’s integrity and the severe consequences that come with engaging in corrupt activities. The ICC’s proactive stance on anti-corruption has resulted in the implementation of strict monitoring protocols during major tournaments, such as the ICC World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The five-year ban imposed on Shohaly Akhter is a reminder that the ICC’s stance on match-fixing is unwavering. The council has made it clear that any player found guilty of breaching its Anti-Corruption Code will face severe consequences. This decision also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the sport.
While the ban is a harsh blow for Akhter, it serves as a warning to other cricketers that the ICC will not tolerate any form of corruption. The sport’s credibility is built on fair play, and the governing body’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the game remains strong. With the ever-increasing global attention on cricket, it is imperative that players maintain the highest ethical standards, both on and off the field.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
