Major Scandal Hits Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as ACA Hands Suspensions to Four Players Over Corruption Claims
Assam suspends four players over corruption claims as Pondicherry cricket faces misconduct probes.
The Assam Cricket Association has suspended four players after serious corruption allegations surfaced around the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi and Abhishek Thakuri have all been barred from cricket with immediate effect.
The players are accused of trying to influence and instigate members of the current Assam squad during the T20 tournament in Lucknow. ACA said the alleged actions threatened the integrity of the game. A Crime Branch FIR has been filed in Guwahati and the BCCI’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit has already carried out an inquiry.
Thakuri is the only one among the four who played Ranji Trophy cricket for Assam this season. ACA has started criminal proceedings and said the suspensions will continue until the investigations finish and a final decision is taken.
ACA secretary Sanatan Das said in a statement that the players appeared to be involved in serious misconduct. He added, “The four players are accused of influencing and attempting to instigate some of the current Assam team players who took part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. Prima facie, there appears to be involvement in misconduct affecting the integrity of the sport.”
More Trouble Brewing in Pondicherry
A separate inquiry into the Cricket Association of Pondicherry has revealed issues with outstation players being used as locals. The probe also pointed to limited chances for cricketers born in Puducherry.
The situation worsened after U 19 head coach S. Venkataraman was allegedly assaulted by three local players. They were upset after missing out on the Syed Mushtaq Ali setup. He suffered injuries to his head and shoulder and the matter has raised strong concerns about discipline and safety within the association.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia responded to the developments and said the board will study the allegations closely. He said, “The news items raise some serious allegations. The BCCI will look into the matter soon.”
Both cases have put the spotlight on domestic cricket governance in India. With the Crime Branch and ACSU now involved, the issues have moved beyond internal discipline. They point to deeper concerns about how teams are managed and how players are protected across state units.
