Bangladesh Cricketer Shohely Akhter Banned for Five Years Over Corruption

Bangladesh international Shohely Akhter has been handed a five-year ban from all forms of cricket after admitting to multiple breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, the sport’s governing body confirmed.

Akhter attempted to bribe a fellow Bangladeshi player, offering her £13,000 ($16,000) to be dismissed hit wicket during the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023. The unnamed player reported the incident, and Akhter—who was not part of the tournament—was subsequently investigated.

Najmul Abedin Fahim, Bangladesh Cricket Board director and head of the women’s wing, condemned the incident as “unfortunate.” He reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, emphasizing ongoing efforts to prevent fixing at all levels of the country’s cricket.

The 36-year-old spinner has represented Bangladesh in 13 T20 internationals and two ODIs, last playing for the national team in 2022.

In addition to her bribery attempt, Akhter admitted to delaying or obstructing the investigation into her conduct, further compounding her breaches of the anti-corruption code.