Four Assam cricketers – Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi and Abhishek Thakuri – have been suspended with immediate effect after the state association received allegations of corrupt activity during this season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
Announcing the decision late on Friday, Assam Cricket Association (ACA) secretary Sanatan Das confirmed that an FIR has been lodged with the state police crime branch and that the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has already carried out a preliminary enquiry. The suspension covers all cricket-related activity under ACA’s umbrella, from playing to coaching to umpiring, “till the final outcome of the investigation, and/or any further decision of the association”.
“After the allegations came to light, the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ASCU) of the BCCI conducted an enquiry. The ACA has also initiated criminal proceedings. Prima facie, there appears to be their involvement in serious misconduct, affecting the integrity of the sport,” Das said. He added that the move was designed “to curtail any scope of further deterioration of the situation”.
What exactly is alleged?
According to ACA officials, the four are suspected of approaching or attempting to influence squad-mates during the SMAT group matches in Lucknow, held from 26 November to 8 December. While specific details have not been released, investigators are understood to be looking at possible spot-fixing – typically the manipulation of small passages of play such as an over or a single delivery – rather than full-scale match-fixing.
Immediate impact
Assam failed to progress beyond the league phase of SMAT, India’s domestic T20 competition, finishing well off the pace required for a Super League berth. Even so, state administrators say they acted quickly to protect the “integrity” of their set-up. All district units have been told to enforce the suspensions and warn clubs and academies accordingly.
How the process works
The ACSU usually shares its findings with the BCCI and the relevant state body. From there, either internal disciplinary hearings or, in more serious cases, police investigations follow. Under BCCI rules, a player found guilty of corruption faces a minimum five-year ban; criminal courts can impose heavier penalties, including jail terms, under India’s anti-corruption legislation.
What next?
The investigation is ongoing. Das stressed that the accused remain “under suspension, not yet proven guilty”. Interviews with team-mates, support staff and betting-pattern analysts are likely in the coming weeks, and it could still be months before a formal charge sheet – or a clearance – is issued.
It’s an uncomfortable moment for a state side that has made steady progress in recent years, and for four players who have represented Assam across formats. Yet, as administrators are quick to point out, the system must be seen to act decisively if confidence in domestic cricket is to be maintained.
