The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) officials today visited the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur to look into alleged financial irregularities.
The sudden spike in participation in the Third Division League's qualification round and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) ticket issues came into the fore. A financial irregularity in 'Mujib 100' celebrations was also raised.
A total of 60 teams participated in the Third Division League this year, a massive jump from the usual three to four teams.
The long-term ticketing deal, which covered 3rd to 10th editions of BPL, is also under scrutiny. The ticket selling was worth Taka 15.6 crore in total during the 3rd to 10th editions of BPL but in contrast the 11th edition, which was organized under new BCB president Farque Ahmed alone brought in nearly Taka 13 crore.
"We had specific complaints regarding the 2023 team selection for the Third Division Qualifying round," ACC official Mahmudul Hasan told media in a press briefing. "In previous years, the application fee was set at Tk 5 lakh and during that period only two or three teams would apply from which one or two would be selected." This time, when the fee was reduced to Tk 1 lakh, 60 teams applied, he said, adding that they have collected the documents and will look into the matter.
Mahmudul said they will also investigate the ticket sales issue of the BPL.
"The revenue from 3rd to the 10th season of the BPL, in total eight seasons amounted to Taka 15 crore."
"But in the 11th season, when BCB sold tickets themselves, the income was reported to be around Taka 13 crore."
He also spoke on the financial irregularities in Mujib 100 celebrations, saying that the total cost of the event, including the concert, was shown to be Taka 25 crore. "However, the actual cost was around Taka 7 crore. Around Taka 19 crore has been removed or something has happened here. We have received such complaints.' �"BSS
