The Chair of the Independent Integrity Unit of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Alex Marshall, has stressed the importance of promptly reporting any suspicious activities in cricket. Speaking at the auction of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Sunday in Dhaka, Marshall reminded all stakeholders of their obligations under the Anti-Corruption Code.

Marshall highlighted that the code applies to everyone involved in cricket — from players and coaches to team owners, management, and board members.

“For everyone who works in cricket, everyone who works in cricket—players, coaches, team owners, team management, board members, the Integrity Unit—we are all under the Anti-Corruption Code,” he said. “That code has a clear set of rules. It sets out what a breach of the code would mean, and it sets out the consequences for people who choose to do the wrong thing. That code will be rigorously enforced. Every credible allegation will be thoroughly, professionally, and confidentially investigated.”

He advised all cricketing personnel to familiarize themselves with the code. “I advise everyone in cricket to read the code. If you read it a while ago, go back and read it again. You need to understand it,” he added.

Emphasizing the responsibility of reporting any wrongdoing, Marshall said, “Anyone in cricket who comes across any information about suspicious activity is obliged to report it immediately. If you have knowledge about suspicious activity from the past, come and tell us as quickly as possible. We understand that some people, perhaps young players in the past, may have felt pressured, may have felt they had a difficult choice to make. Your choice now is to come and tell us. Your information will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.”

Ahead of the BPL 12, Marshall revealed that the Integrity Unit had advised the Governing Council regarding individuals who should not participate in this year’s tournament. “In advance of BPL 12, I have provided advice to the Governing Council about some people who should not be invited to this year's event. That's just one of many actions that are being taken to protect this year's BPL, and I just felt it would be much safer to keep some people away while investigations are completed and we look back over recent years,” he said.

Marshall also emphasized that live investigations would remain confidential. “I'll say no more about any individuals because that would be wrong, and I will never discuss the detail of a live investigation. That's unfair to victims and witnesses, and it's unfair to people who are suspects. My team will maintain confidentiality,” he stated.

Concluding his address, he reinforced the need for vigilance and cooperation. “My message to everyone is very straightforward: we need to work together to protect the sport. Be aware that people will try and target this event. Recognize if something seems suspicious. Reject any corrupt offers and report immediately. Recognize, reject, report,” he concluded.