The cricketing world was recently rocked by the news of Shohely Akhter, a Bangladesh Women’s cricketer, receiving a five-year ban from all forms of the sport. The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed this suspension after Akhter admitted to multiple breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. The case highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in cricket and the ICC’s zero-tolerance policy towards unethical conduct in the sport.
This article delves into the details of the controversy, Shohely Akhter’s cricketing career, achievements, and the circumstances leading to her ban.
Comprehensive Profile of Shohely Akhter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shohely Akhter Khatun |
| Date of Birth | June 16, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Rajbari District, Bangladesh |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Role in Cricket | Right-arm off-break bowler |
| National Side | Bangladesh |
| WT20I Debut | 2013, Bangladesh vs. South Africa |
| WODI Debut | 2013, Bangladesh vs. Pakistan |
| Domestic Teams | Dhaka Division |
| Achievements | Part of the Bangladesh team that won silver at the 2010 Asian Games |
| Major Controversy | Banned for five years by ICC for violating anti-corruption code |
| Height | Not widely documented |
| Playing Style | Right-arm off-break bowler, known for her disciplined spin bowling |
| Social Media | Not extensively disclosed |
Who is Shohely Akhter?
Early Life and Domestic Career
Born on June 16, 1988, in Rajbari District, Bangladesh, Shohely Akhter Khatun developed a passion for cricket early on. She honed her skills as a right-arm off-break bowler, eventually breaking into professional cricket through domestic circuits.
Akhter represented Dhaka Division in domestic cricket, where her consistent performances with the ball earned her a place in the national setup. Her ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and maintain tight bowling spells made her a valuable asset to the teams she played for.
International Career
Shohely Akhter made her One Day International (ODI) debut for Bangladesh Women’s National Team in 2013. She went on to play two ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) between 2013 and 2014. Although her international career was short-lived, she remained in the cricketing circuit, eventually returning to the national team after eight years in September 2022.
Her selection for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2022 was a significant milestone, marking her return to international cricket. However, her comeback was overshadowed by the recent corruption scandal that ended her career.
Asian Games Achievement
One of the highlights of Akhter’s cricketing journey was her participation in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. She was part of the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team, which won a silver medal after competing against the China national women’s cricket team. This achievement was a proud moment for Bangladesh Women’s cricket, showcasing her potential as a skilled player.
The ICC Anti-Corruption Code Violation
The Incident: Attempted Match-Fixing at the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup
Shohely Akhter’s controversy came to light during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. According to ICC reports, on February 14, 2023, before Bangladesh’s match against Australia, Akhter approached a teammate (Player A) with an illegal proposal.
She reportedly contacted Player A via Facebook Messenger, sending voice notes in which she attempted to persuade her to engage in match-fixing. Akhter asked the player if she would agree to get a hit-wicket on a pacer’s delivery during the match against Australia. In return, she offered 2 million Bangladeshi Taka (approximately $16,400), stating that the money would come from her “cousin,” who was betting on cricket matches.
Akhter even assured Player A that the conversation would remain secret and that she would delete all messages to erase any evidence. Despite these assurances, Player A rejected the offer and immediately reported the incident to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
ICC’s Investigation and Charges
Following Player A’s report, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) launched a thorough investigation. The ICC found Akhter guilty of violating five provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code:
- Article 2.1.1 – Being involved in corrupt conduct (directly or indirectly attempting to fix a match).
- Article 2.1.3 – Encouraging, inducing, or instructing another player to engage in corrupt conduct.
- Article 2.1.4 – Offering money or other benefits to another player in exchange for influencing the outcome of a match.
- Article 2.4.4 – Failing to report a corrupt approach.
- Article 2.4.7 – Concealing or attempting to destroy evidence related to corruption.
Akhter admitted to sending the voice messages but claimed that she intended to prove that Bangladesh players were not involved in fixing. However, the ICC dismissed her justification, stating that her actions violated anti-corruption protocols.
ICC’s Final Verdict: A Five-Year Ban
On February 10, 2025, the ICC officially announced a five-year ban on Shohely Akhter, effective immediately. The ruling prohibits her from participating in any form of cricket, including domestic, franchise, and international matches. Given that she will turn 37 in June 2025, this ban ends her professional cricket career.
Impact on Bangladesh Cricket
Reputation Damage
The incident is a significant setback for Bangladesh Women’s Cricket, which has been striving to build its reputation on the international stage. Corruption scandals tarnish a team’s image and raise concerns about integrity in the sport.
ICC’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
The ICC has intensified its fight against corruption in cricket, especially in women’s cricket, which is gaining popularity worldwide. The governing body continues implementing strict monitoring and education programs to prevent such incidents.
Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale
Shohely Akhter’s ban warns cricketers worldwide about the severe consequences of engaging in corrupt practices. While talent and hard work can build a career, ethical lapses can instantly destroy years of effort. The ICC remains vigilant in its pursuit of a clean and fair cricketing environment, and this case underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in the sport.
With the rise of women’s cricket globally, ensuring a corruption-free environment is crucial for the growth and credibility of the game. As Shohely Akhter’s cricketing journey comes to an unfortunate end, this episode reminds players, officials, and fans alike that the spirit of cricket must always come first.
