The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) on Friday, December 12, suspended four players, Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi, and Abhishek Thakuri, with immediate effect following allegations of involvement in corrupt practices linked to cricket.

An FIR has been registered with the Crime Branch in Guwahati, and the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has already carried out an inquiry. The ACA has also begun criminal proceedings. Among the suspended players, Abhishek Thakuri featured in two Ranji Trophy matches earlier this season.

According to ACA secretary Sanatan Das, the accused players allegedly attempted to influence and instigate members of Assam’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 squad during the tournament held in Lucknow from November 26 to December 8.

“Prima facie, there appears to be involvement of the aforementioned four players in serious misconduct, affecting the integrity of the sport,” Das said in a statement quoted by The Indian Express.

The suspensions will remain in place until the investigation concludes and the ACA makes a final decision.

This development comes days after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who hails from Assam, responded to The Indian Express’ investigation into malpractices within the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP).

The report revealed that Puducherry-born cricketers were frequently overlooked, while outstation players allegedly used falsified educational records and Aadhaar details to pose as local players. Since 2021, only five Puducherry natives have played Ranji Trophy cricket.

In another related incident, CAP Under-19 head coach S. Venkataraman was allegedly assaulted by three local cricketers who were upset over their non-selection for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He reportedly suffered a head injury and a fractured shoulder. Responding to the revelations, Saikia said: “The news items raise some serious allegations, and therefore the BCCI will look into the matter soon.”

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