Bangladesh’s Shohely Akhter has made history, albeit unfortunately, as the first woman cricketer to be banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for match-fixing. The veteran off-spin bowler was handed a five-year suspension from all forms of cricket after she attempted to fix matches during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) concluded their investigation and found Akhter guilty of breaching several provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Although she admitted to the charges, the ban raises important discussions about integrity and corruption within cricket, particularly women’s cricket.
Shohely Akhter, 36 years old, was charged with breaches of Articles 2.1.1, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.4.4, and 2.4.7 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. These articles pertain to attempts to influence the outcome of matches, making improper approaches to players, and failing to disclose corrupt approaches. The ICC's ruling is particularly significant as it emphasizes the organization’s stringent stance on corruption.
Despite being absent from the national squad during the tournament, Akhter attempted to bribe her teammate for match-fixing purposes. The incriminatory approach took place on February 14, 2023, the day of the Bangladesh vs. Australia match, showcasing how far-reaching influences can impact even the most significant international tournaments.
During her attempt, she communicated with another Bangladeshi cricketer, identified as 'Player A,' through Facebook Messenger. Shohely offered 2 million Bangladeshi Takas (approximately 18,000 USD), promising her teammate this money would come from her cousin’s betting activities. She insisted on secrecy, advising the player to delete their messages after reading them.
Fortunately, Player A chose integrity over temptation and reported Shohely’s corrupt offer to the ACU immediately. This decision not only helped halt Shohely's unscrupulous plans but also provided key evidence, as Player A kept recordings of the conversations and shared them with the authorities. Shohely had tried to undermine the spirit of the game but was instead met with accountability.
The ACU highlighted the significance of Player A’s courage to report the attempted bribery, providing hope for the enforcement of integrity within cricket. By refusing to engage with the corrupt practices offered and instead choosing to act responsibly, Player A set a measurable example for other players faced with similar temptations.
With the suspension effective from February 10, 2025, the consequences are stark for Shohely Akhter. The ban not only impacts her but serves as a grave warning for players worldwide about the repercussions of corruption. It reiterates the ICC's zero-tolerance approach toward all forms of corruption, particularly as women's cricket continues to grow on the international stage.
This historic ban holds added relevance as the ICC aims to protect the burgeoning integrity and reputation of women’s cricket. The governing body continues to promote clean sport and anticipates encouraging more players to report suspicious activities, safeguarding the spirit of the game.
By placing Shohely Akhter on the banned list, the ICC is sending a clear message: engagement with corruption will not be tolerated, no matter the athlete's background. It reinforces the global cricket community's commitment to keeping the game fair and abiding by ethical standards.
While the ban marks Shohely Akhter as the first female player banned for corruption, it also raises questions about the broader impact of such incidents on women’s cricket. With attention focused on the integrity of female players and the environment they inhabit, stakeholders must commit to creating safe spaces for athletes to reject corruption.
Shohely’s case, unfortunately, provides a cautionary tale, yet it serves the valuable purpose of reiteration: there’s no place for corruption within sports.
The future of cricket rests heavily on the responsibility of its players and governing bodies to uphold integrity. It primarily serves to protect not just individual careers but the very essence of the sport itself. Therefore, it becomes imperative for players to make wise choices, not only for themselves but for the entire sporting community.