Controversy hits BPL as Mortaza reports spot-fixing approach

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Premier League has got its first dose of controversy as Mashrafe Mortaza reported to his franchise, Dhaka Gladiators, an approach from a fellow cricketer to indulge in spot-fixing during the tournament.

Gladiators media manager Minhaz Uddin Khan confirmed the report and said they have informed the BPL of the approach. "I have told my team management (about the approach) and I'm sure they will do the right thing," Mortaza was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. Mortaza, it has been reported in the Bangladesh media, that he would step down from the team captaincy if he suspected any irregularities during the tournament, which got underway today. According to the reports, Mashrafe was asked to provide information on whether he would play certain matches and if he would be wearing his sunglasses or cap. In return, Mortaza was told, he would be paid 15-20 per cent of the earnings from the spot-fixing. BPL governing council secretary Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir said the player should have reported the approach to them first. "We have found out after reading the newspaper reports. I don't understand why he went to the press first before telling us. There's a proper process for all this," Alamgir said. Alamgir said that an ICC ACSU officer is already here and the information will be passed on to him. PTI