A Dark Chapter in Women’s Cricket
Bangladesh offspinner Shohely Akhter has become the first female cricketer to be banned for corruption, marking a sobering milestone in the history of women’s cricket. Akhter, who has represented Bangladesh in two One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 13 Twenty20 International (T20Is) matches, was found guilty of multiple breaches of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code (ACU). These breaches include attempting to fix a match, offering a bribe, failing to disclose full details of a corrupt approach, and obstructing the investigation. The gravity of her actions has led to a five-year ban from all forms of cricket, a punishment that underscores the ICC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
The Incident at the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup
The charges against Akhter, now 36 years old, stem from her actions during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup held in South Africa. Despite not being part of the Bangladesh playing squad for the tournament—her last international appearance was in October 2022—Akhter was deeply involved in a scheme that could have marred the integrity of the event. On February 14, 2023, the day of the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Australia, Akhter made a corrupt approach to a Bangladesh cricketer via Facebook Messenger. She offered the player 2 million Bangladeshi Taka (approximately USD 16,400) to deliberately get out hit wicket during the match. This brazen attempt to influence the outcome of a high-profile international game is a clear violation of the ACU’s strict guidelines.
The Player’s Immediate Action and ACU’s Investigation
The player who received Akhter’s offer did not hesitate to report the matter to the ACU. She provided the ACU with all the voice notes from the conversation, demonstrating her commitment to the sport’s integrity. Akhter, aware of the seriousness of her actions, had already deleted the incriminating files from her devices. However, the player’s quick action and the ACU’s thorough investigation were pivotal in uncovering the full extent of her misconduct.
Akhter’s Defense and the ACU’s Findings
When initially interviewed by the ACU, Akhter admitted to sending the voice messages to the player but attempted to mitigate the severity of her actions. She claimed that she only sent the messages to prove to a friend that members of the Bangladesh team were not involved in fixing, not because she genuinely intended to corrupt the match. To support her claim, Akhter showed the ACU screenshots of what she said was a conversation with the friend about the "challenge" that took place before February 14. However, the ACU’s technical expertise in reviewing the metadata for the messages revealed that these files were created after February 14, exposing Akhter’s attempt to fabricate evidence and obstruct the investigation.
The ICC’s Decision and Sanction
In determining the appropriate punishment for Akhter, the ICC considered various factors, including the circumstances of the case and the impact of her actions on the sport. One factor that worked in her favor was her agreement to the outcome, which avoided the need for a lengthy and costly hearing. This cooperation, while commendable, did not completely absolve her of the serious breaches she committed. The ICC concluded that a five-year ban from all cricket is reasonable and proportionate. Akhter has accepted this sanction, and as a result, neither she nor the ICC has the right to appeal the decision. This swift and decisive action sends a strong message to the cricket community, reinforcing the severity of corruption and the importance of maintaining the sport’s credibility.
Implications and the Future of Anti-Corruption Efforts
The ACU, which oversees all senior international cricket, has a strict policy of not disclosing information about investigations that do not lead to charges. However, it is believed that a small number of investigations into corrupt activities have taken place around women’s events in the past. Akhter’s case stands out as the first to reach a conclusion with charges being filed. This incident highlights the growing need for robust anti-corruption measures in women’s cricket, a domain that has traditionally been less scrutinized than men’s cricket. The ACU’s proactive approach in this case is a step in the right direction, ensuring that the sport remains clean and fair for all participants. It also serves as a stark warning to other players that any form of corruption will be met with severe consequences, regardless of gender or rank.
