Assam Cricket Association Suspends Four Players Over Alleged Corrupt Practices in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Assam Cricket Association Suspends Four Players Over Alleged Corrupt Practices in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has suspended four players — Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi and Abhishek Thakuri — following allegations of their involvement in corrupt activities during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025.

The decision, announced on Friday, comes after the ACA filed an FIR with the state police’s crime branch. All four players have represented Assam at various levels and now face both criminal investigation and a BCCI-led inquiry.

Allegations and Enquiry

According to ACA secretary Sanatan Das, the players are accused of attempting to influence or instigate members of the Assam squad during the SMAT league phase in Lucknow, held from November 26 to December 8. Assam failed to advance to the tournament’s Super League stage.

“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.

Immediate Suspension and Restrictions

The ACA confirmed that the suspension will remain in effect “till the final outcome of the investigation, and/or any further decision of the association.”

To prevent further risks to the integrity of Assam cricket, the suspended players are barred from:

  • Participating in any state-level tournaments or matches conducted by ACA, its district units or affiliated clubs

  • Engaging in any cricket-related activity, including roles such as coach, umpire, match referee, or any official capacity

District associations have been instructed to enforce strict compliance and notify all clubs and academies under their jurisdictions.

ACA’s Stance on Safeguarding the Game

Das emphasised that the decisive action was necessary:
“They have been suspended to curtail any scope of further deterioration of the situation.”

With investigations ongoing, the ACA has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of cricket in the state, promising full cooperation with both BCCI and law enforcement authorities.