Shohely Akhter Becomes First Female Cricketer Banned by ICC for Corruption

In a landmark decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned Bangladesh cricketer Shohely Akhter for five years after she was found guilty of corruption. This makes her the first female cricketer to receive a ban under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

The Investigation and Charges

Shohely Akhter, 36, was not part of the Bangladesh squad for the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup but was found guilty of attempting to manipulate matches during the tournament. According to the ICC, Akhter breached multiple provisions of the anti-corruption code, including:

• Approaching players for match-fixing
• Failing to report corrupt approaches
• Attempting to induce others into corrupt activities

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Akhter accepted the charges and cooperated with ICC investigators. As a result, she has been handed a five-year ban, which officially commenced on February 10, 2025.

ICC’s Stance on Corruption in Cricket

Alex Marshall, the ICC’s General Manager of Integrity, emphasized the organization’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption. He stated that Akhter’s case is a warning to all cricketers that attempts to manipulate matches—whether successful or not—will lead to severe consequences.

"The integrity of the sport is our top priority. Regardless of gender or level of play, any individual involved in corruption will face strict action," Marshall added.

Impact on Women’s Cricket

Akhter’s ban marks a dark moment in women's cricket, particularly in Bangladesh, where the sport has been gaining popularity. The incident raises concerns about corruption even at the lower levels of the game, urging stronger anti-corruption measures and player education programs.

The ICC has been actively working on spreading awareness about anti-corruption protocols among cricketers. This case highlights the need for players—especially those outside the national setup—to remain vigilant against illegal approaches.

What Lies Ahead for Bangladesh Women’s Cricket?

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, but insiders suggest that stricter monitoring of domestic players will be implemented.

With Shohely Akhter’s ban serving as a cautionary tale, the cricketing world is expected to push for even stronger regulatory measures to ensure fair play in the sport.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story! 🚨