Four Assam cricketers suspended over match-fixing allegations in SMAT 2025
Four Assam cricketers suspended over match-fixing allegations in SMAT 2025
The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has suspended four players after serious allegations of corrupt practices during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. The players named are Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi, and Abhishek Thakuri.
What happened?
• During the SMAT 2025 tournament held in Lucknow (Nov 26 – Dec 8), these players were accused of trying to influence and instigate teammates into fixing matches.
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) carried out an inquiry after the allegations surfaced.
• Following the inquiry, the ACA took immediate action by suspending the four players.
Legal action
• The ACA has also filed an FIR with the Crime Branch in Guwahati against the suspended players.
• Officials said this step was necessary to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that corruption does not spread in domestic cricket.
Why this matters
• The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is one of India’s most important domestic T20 tournaments, often seen as a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent.
• Match-fixing scandals damage the trust of fans and the future of players who work hard to build their careers.
• By acting quickly, ACA and BCCI have sent a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Indian cricket.
The bigger picture
• Match-fixing has been a recurring problem in cricket worldwide, but strict monitoring by ACSU and state associations has helped reduce such incidents.
• This case highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in domestic cricket, where players are often more vulnerable to illegal approaches.
The suspension of these four Assam players is a reminder that cricket authorities are serious about keeping the game clean. Investigations will continue, and if proven guilty, the players could face long-term bans and criminal charges.