The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made its most aggressive move yet in the battle against corruption by appointing Alex Marshall, the former head of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, as its new integrity consultant. With decades of policing experience in the UK and an established track record in global cricket governance, Marshall’s arrival signals a new chapter for Bangladesh cricket—one aimed at cleaning up its reputation and ensuring long-term credibility.
Marshall’s primary task is to establish a fully functional ethics and integrity unit within the BCB. Rather than focusing solely on punishing corrupt activities after the fact, his approach emphasizes prevention. The new unit will work to educate players, officials, and coaches about the dangers of corruption, while also tightening security measures around domestic and international fixtures. A strong compliance structure will aim to ensure that suspicious behavior is identified early and dealt with swiftly.
This overhaul comes at a time when the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has faced intense scrutiny. Over the years, the league has been plagued by allegations of match-fixing and suspicious financial dealings, some of which are still under investigation. Even when unproven, these claims have cast a shadow over the competition, damaging its credibility both at home and abroad. Marshall has already made it clear that poorly managed leagues or teams can attract corruptors, and his mandate includes ensuring that the BPL appears professional, transparent, and resistant to outside interference.
In practical terms, the next few weeks will be dedicated to shaping the structure of the new unit. This includes setting up reporting systems, compliance checks, and coordination mechanisms with international bodies like the ICC. Once the framework is finalized and approved by the BCB, it will be implemented ahead of the next domestic season, ensuring that Bangladesh cricket operates under tighter oversight.
The appointment also aligns with wider reforms within the BCB, which has recently been under pressure to professionalize its operations. The integrity unit won’t be limited to anti-corruption—it will also oversee safeguarding, anti-doping, and player welfare, making it a holistic effort to raise standards across the board. For Marshall, the goal is not only to deter bad actors but to cultivate a culture of integrity where players understand the importance of protecting the game’s values.
The timing is critical. An independent committee is still probing allegations of massive financial irregularities in the BPL, including reports that a single game may have been valued at hundreds of crores in illegal betting markets. With the stakes so high, the BCB knows that restoring trust is as much about perception as it is about enforcement.
If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other boards in the region struggling with similar integrity challenges. For Bangladesh, however, it’s about more than image—it’s about securing the future of the sport in a country where cricket is deeply woven into national identity. Alex Marshall’s presence is a bold step, and if his track record is anything to go by, Bangladesh cricket could be on the verge of its most important reform era yet.