Bangladesh lift domestic ban on Mohammad Ashraful

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cleared Mohammad Ashraful to take part in a few domestic tournaments by partially lifting his ban from cricket for indulging in match-fixing.

Ashraful was initially banned by the BCB for eight years for his involvement in match-fixing in the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League.

Later on, in 2014, a panel reduced his ban to five years, effective from 13th August 2013, out of which two years were suspended.

Yasin Patel, a lawyer who represented Ashraful clarified that the 32-year-old is currently eligible to take part in domestic competitions.

“Mr Ashraful is eligible to play domestic cricket from the 13th August 2016. However, he will be ineligible to play international cricket or the BPL (until 2018),” said Patel.

The chief executive of BCB, Nizamuddin Chowdhury also revealed that the board has written to the International Cricket Council seeking clarification over which domestic competitions Ashraful can take part in.

“We have now asked for a clarification from the ICC, clearly specifying which competitions he will be allowed to play,” said Chowdhury.

Stating that it was an opportunity to resurrect his career, Ashraful is hoping that with good performances in domestic cricket, he can convince BCB to lift his ban from international matches.

“I got a new opportunity to revive my career,” said Ashraful.

“Now my first priority is to perform well in domestic cricket.

“If I can do that I hope the BCB will take initiative to lift my ban from international cricket too.
“I think I’ve yet to give my best to cricket.”

Between 2001 and 2013, Ashraful played 61 Tests, 177 One-Day Internationals and 23 Twenty20 Internationals for Bangladesh.

© Cricket World 2016