BPL 2019-20 | Krishmar Santokie under spot-fixing cloud after ‘suspicious’ bowling

Almost a decade after Pakistan’s infamous spot-fixing scandal, 2019 has been a kind of dark year of cricket in terms of corruption, with local T20 leagues - Karnataka Premier League (KPL) in particular - coming under the scanner for potential venality. Two cricketers, including ex-RCB wicket-keeper CM Gautam, were arrested for corruption and more names are expected to take the hit as the investigation continues.

And now almost a month after the unravelling of the KPL betting scandal, another T20 league, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is now under ‘spot-fixing watch’ after extremely suspicious bowling from Chattogram Challengers’ Krishmar Santokie. The Windies pacer, in his very first over of the match, bowled an extremely erratic wide on the third delivery, which he followed up with a gargantuan no-ball just a couple of deliveries later. 

The no-ball, in particular, which had a striking resemblance to that of Mohammad Amir’s versus England in 2010, raised eyebrows and instantly became a talking point on social media, with fans suspecting the left-arm pacer of wrongdoing. And now, Sylhet Thunders team director Tanjil Chowdhury has revealed that the team has requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to launch an investigation into the incident which, to the naked eye, seemed ‘suspicious’. 

"The no-ball that he bowled is suspicious. He is not yet called by the BCB but I have lodged my complaint. I verbally requested CEO and Morshed [BCB anti-corruption head] to investigate the matter[ no ball],” Chowdhury was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. The BCB are, however, yet to comment or issue a statement on the same.