BCB Launches Corruption Probe Against Director Mokhlesur Rahman Amid BPL Scandal

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy as its integrity unit has launched an investigation into corruption allegations against board director Mokhlesur Rahman. The probe centers on alleged irregularities during this season's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), marking another turbulent chapter for the beleaguered cricket administration.

The Allegations and Investigation

The corruption allegations against Rahman surfaced through an investigative report by journalist Riasad Azim, published on his official Facebook page. The BCB's integrity unit, headed by Alex Marshall—the former ICC integrity unit chief—has taken charge of the investigation.

A BCB spokesperson confirmed the development, noting that Rahman has already stepped down from his position as the board's audit committee chairman in the wake of these allegations.

Alex Marshall's Growing Workload

Marshall's appointment to lead this investigation adds to an already substantial workload. The former ICC integrity head is currently handling a comprehensive 900-page report compiled by an independent committee examining corruption allegations from the previous BPL season. That investigation has already resulted in several players being dropped from the BPL auction.

Rahman's Brief Tenure at BCB

Mokhlesur Rahman's time as a BCB director has been remarkably short-lived. He secured his position through elections held on October 6, representing his home district of Chapainawabganj as a board councillor. His resignation from the audit committee chairmanship following the allegations underscores the severity of the situation.

A Pattern of Controversy: BCB's Troubled Month

Rahman is the second BCB director to face serious allegations this month alone. The board experienced significant turmoil on December 15 when Bangladesh cricketers boycotted BPL matches in protest against director M Nazmul Islam, who had made disparaging comments about players on social media and during a press briefing.

While Nazmul was "released" from his position as finance committee chairman, he notably remains a director and has been observed watching BPL matches from the president's box at the Shere Bangla National Stadium—a situation that has raised eyebrows among observers.

Broader Context: ICC Tensions

The internal corruption investigation comes at a particularly challenging time for the BCB, which is currently engaged in a dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Bangladesh's venue for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The board has publicly accused the ICC of "double standards" over the ongoing deadlock.

What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket

The accumulation of corruption scandals, player boycotts, and international disputes paints a concerning picture for Bangladesh cricket's governance. With Alex Marshall now juggling multiple high-profile investigations, the integrity of the BPL and the board's administrative credibility face intense scrutiny.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will be crucial for the BCB as Marshall's investigation progresses. The board must demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability if it hopes to restore confidence among players, fans, and international stakeholders. How the BCB handles this latest crisis—alongside its ongoing tensions with the ICC—will significantly shape the future trajectory of Bangladesh cricket.

The outcome of the investigation into Rahman, combined with the resolution of the Nazmul Islam situation, will serve as a litmus test for the board's willingness to enact meaningful reforms in its governance structure.