Representative Image: The committee has conducted over 60 interviews to fulfil its fact-finding mandate © Getty The fact-finding committee of the Bangladesh Premier League is expected to submit its preliminary report to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) by August. Earlier in February, the BCB announced that an independent inquiry body would be formed to support the board and the BCB Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) with integrity issues and investigations after several corruption allegations were reported in the media. Later, the BCB formed a three-member committee headed by former justice of the appellate division, Justice Mirza Hussain Haider and included former cricketer Shakil Kasem and international lawyer Dr. Khaled H. Chowdhury as the other members. A member of the committee confirmed the development to Cricbuzz on Thursday. “The preliminary report, which we intend to submit before 20 August, will focus on recommended measures to address identified risks and prevent recurrence, including: franchise selection, betting anomalies, online gambling issues, recommend certain urgent interim measures, also essential reform on certain other sectors,” Khaled told Cricbuzz on Thursday. “A comprehensive report, containing full evidentiary details, witness accounts, and further analysis, will be submitted within one month of this preliminary submission. This will provide the BCB with a complete factual basis for any subsequent action,” he said. Khaled added that they had to take time to complete the report as they had to go through a long process. “Over the course of our work, the Committee has engaged extensively with relevant stakeholders in order to fulfil its fact-finding mandate. It had its limitations. Allegations were raised in relation to at least three franchises, and we determined that a meaningful assessment could only be made after hearing from a broad spectrum of individuals, including coaches, management, and players from all franchises. In total, over 60 interviews were conducted, each lasting between two and three and a half hours,” said Khaled. “Every session involved detailed discussion and fact-finding, which was recorded and subsequently transcribed. Each transcript has been verified against the audio recordings to ensure accuracy. Following this, statements have been analysed to identify consistencies, contradictions, and potential connections between accounts. Where appropriate, these findings have been cross-referenced with other records and expert input,” he said. “The committee has also consulted with subject-matter experts in betting markets and with both current and former ICC officials. All relevant insights have been incorporated into our analysis,” he said. “It must be noted that the Committee is an enquiry body, not an investigative authority. We do not possess powers to compel production of bank, phone, or other private records. Our process has therefore been based on voluntary cooperation, in-depth interviews, and review of accessible documentation. Particular care has been taken to avoid premature attribution of responsibility, recognising that accused persons must be afforded an opportunity to respond before conclusions are drawn,” he concluded.
