Franchise leagues are gaining ground around the world. International cricket is losing its luster to these leagues with money, prizes and glitz. The star cricketers of the cricket playing countries are also leaning towards these tournaments for the sake of more profit in a short time. This time terrible allegations have been made against these leagues.
Franchise leagues often hear of various scandals including fixing. It is being claimed that the ICC's anti-corruption unit, Aksu, is not very active in these cases. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is also on the list of suspected corruption leagues.
There have been more than 30 allegations of corruption in BPL in the last two years. However, no one has been banned for these allegations so far. In many cases, players continued to play for years before the allegations were proven, the report also said.
The report also said that there are allegations of corruption in several franchise tournaments around the world like BPL and League of Legends. ICC is not enlisted for anti-corruption activities in these leagues. They do the work at low cost. In that case, many problems remain.
"Many players are afraid to complain," said a person who did not want to be named. First, they may not be remunerated. Second, they may feel insecure.
They inform only when approached directly. But very little is said on mere doubt.'
Richardson, who works as an investigation coordinator in the ICC's anti-corruption unit, said, "When smaller franchise leagues cover their own events, the risk is, does that make anti-corruption provisions stronger? The league is not best protected by having an anti-corruption officer on the ground, detached from the ICC, and not liaising with them for experience and information. There are many things in it.
