Santokie under scanner after massive wide and no ball

[Ulquiorra]

 

Sylhet Thunders team director revealed they have asked BCB to investigate the opening over from Santokie against Chattogram Challengers. © Getty

Sylhet Thunders team director Tanjil Chowdhury revealed they have requested Bangladesh Cricket Board to investigate the wide and no-ball of Krishmar Santokie in his opening over against Chattogram Challengers in the first game of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.

Santokie bowled a huge wide in his third delivery while the no-ball that he bowled two balls later also raised some eyebrows as he was way over the line.

BCB appointed seven board directors to be involved with respective teams being sponsored by different business groups. Chowdhury, who is given the charge of Thunders, said that he felt the extras were suspicious. "The no-ball that he bowled is suspicious,'' he said. "He [Santokie] is not yet called by the BCB but I have lodged my complaint. I verbally requested CEO and Morshed [BCB anti-corruption head] to investigate the matter[ no ball].

"We [BCB director] don't have anything to do with the playing XI. It is up to the management and the coach. I asked the sponsors whether they interfered in the playing XI and they are refusing to say anything. Now we have to talk with the team management and know whether anyone influenced them to play Santokie because it seems he is associated with spot-fixing."

Thunder lost the clash by five wickets with Santokie picking up 1 for 34 from his four overs. They now take on Rajshahi Royals in their second game on Friday.

Tanjil raised suspicion about the sponsor - Jivani Footwear Company - as well and felt they swayed the team director into buying certain players. "On the day of the players draft, there was a lot of conflict between us. Me and team director Sarowar Imran was convinced with certain decisions. The sponsors were insisting on taking a few cricketers and we were not sure why they are insisting to pick those cricketers," he said.

"We had the chance to pick Nayeem Sheikh and other players. But they preferred to pick players like Sohag Gazi and Santokie. That is the reason we have started doubting them. I have informed BCB governing council members and the BCB president."