The International Cricket Council (ICC) has initiated a full-scale investigation into Indian “billionaire” Shaji Ul Mulk – sponsored cricket tournament, the Zim Afro T10 League, focusing on serious allegations of match-fixing. With players and officials already facing intensive questioning and even the seizure of phones, the reputation of the competition has come under fire.
At the heart of the probe is a highly suspicious match between the Durban Wolves and Harare Bolts, raising alarm bells about the integrity of the tournament. What should have been a celebration of cricket in Zimbabwe has now been tainted by accusations of widespread corruption.
Two particular overs from this match stand out for their bizarre and potentially incriminating nature. The sixth over, bowled by UAE cricketer Kashif Dawood, shocked spectators as it stretched to an unprecedented 14 balls. Dawood, who has known ties to Pakistan, gave away a staggering 7 wides and 2 no-balls, gifting 20 runs to the opposition. Such an anomaly has led many to question whether this was sheer incompetence or something far more nefarious.
The ninth over, bowled by Afghanistan’s Dawlat Zadran, added fuel to the suspicions, as he conceded 23 runs with 8 wides. A seasoned bowler like Zadran making such errors is not just rare—it’s almost inconceivable.
To further thicken the plot, Pakistani Test spinner Yasir Shah bowled just one over but gave away 30 runs, including three wides and three sixes. The absurdity of these numbers has led to intense scrutiny from the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
With several Pakistani players and officials involved in the league, the investigation has zeroed in on their possible role in this controversy. Allegations are swirling that key individuals may have engaged in suspicious activities, and one team owner’s sudden departure from Zimbabwe before meeting with officials only adds to the cloud of suspicion.
The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit has already confiscated the phone of a player under investigation and is thoroughly questioning team officials. One bowler, citing “fitness problems,” is also facing scrutiny for what now appears to be an orchestrated cover for poor on-field performance.
The Zim Afro T10 League, designed to elevate cricket in Zimbabwe, now risks being remembered for corruption rather than competition. While the Joburg Bangla Tigers were crowned champions, the real headline has shifted to the damaging allegations against teams like the Durban Wolves and Harare Bolts. With the ICC refraining from public comment on the ongoing probe, the future of the league hangs in the balance.