Partex coach raises match-fixing alarm over 'suspicious performances'

Partex Sporting Club's head coach Anwarul Mostakim has voiced serious concerns over what he describes as "suspicious performances" by some of his players, hinting at possible match-fixing activities within the team, reports UNB.

Partex is a club taking part in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, which is the most prestigious domestic cricket league in Bangladesh.

The coach's comments come amid tensions inside the Partex camp. Team captain Sabbir Rahman is currently at the center of a contractual dispute, while several players have reportedly filed complaints to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over unpaid salaries.

Speaking to reporters, Mostakim claimed that several players have deviated from team instructions and played what he called "negative cricket" - performances he believes were deliberate and inconsistent with the club's strategy.

"Our officials instructed the team to play with intent, even if we were bowled out cheaply. But the players did the exact opposite," said Mostakim. "Some played 40 or 50 balls to score barely 5 or 18 runs - that's not acceptable."

He further said that he has been receiving phone calls from various quarters expressing doubts about the integrity of some Partex players.

"Many are calling me saying certain players are fixing matches. I don't have experience in these matters, but these kinds of performances raise questions," he said.

Citing an example, Mostakim pointed to a recent game where Partex was chasing 220 runs but managed only 37 runs in the first 20 overs.

That kind of approach makes no cricketing sense," he added.