Both ICC, BCB to appeal verdict

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) through a press release yesterday confirmed their intention to appeal the decision made by the BCB anti-corruption tribunal regarding the disciplinary procedures related to the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League.
Six out of the nine individuals charged with corruption during the BPL were cleared by the anti-corruption tribunal. Dhaka Gladiators owner Shihab Chowdhury, who was slapped with a 10-year ban, was the only one found guilty. The individuals who confessed to their wrongdoings -- Mohammad Ashraful, Kaushal Lokuarachchi and Lou Vincent -- were also banned for different periods of time last month by the tribunal.
Quoting an ICC spokesperson the press release stated, "The ICC and the BCB can confirm that we have received the full written decision from the Anti-Corruption Tribunal. As previously indicated, we are extremely disappointed at the outcome of the proceedings, and seeing the reasons given by the Tribunal for its decision has done nothing to address our concerns.
"In the ICC's view, clear and compelling evidence of corruption by a number of individuals have not been taken into account properly. Having now had the opportunity to review the detailed decision in its entirety and taken advice on it, we believe that we have very strong grounds on which we can base our appeal.
"We do not believe that the sport would be sending the right message if it does not challenge what, in our opinion, are incorrect findings."
The BCB's Anti-Corruption Code, which governs these proceedings, provides for a two-stage appeal process. The first stage is an appeal to the chairman of the BCB's Disciplinary Panel.  The second stage, if required, is an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
As per article 6A of the Anti-Corruption Code, appeal hearings, save where all parties agree or fairness requires, need to be commenced no later than forty days after the date of the reasoned decision being appealed.
In a separate press release the ICC sided with Dhaka Gladiators coach Ian Pont, whose role was questioned by the tribunal, in the BPL corruption issue.
According to the ICC, Pont complied at all times with his obligations under the BCB Anti-Corruption Code and promptly reported the corrupt approach that he had received from Shihab. He subsequently provided great assistance to the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit in its investigation of the matter.
In February this year, bowlers Mosharraf Hossain and Mahbubul Alam and former national player Mohammad Rafique, Gladiators owner Salim Chowdhury, CEO Gaurav Rawat and English cricketer Darren Stevens were cleared of their charges.