The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 has been rocked by a corruption scandal as the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) suspended four state players for alleged involvement in match-fixing and corrupt practices. Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi, and Abhishek Thakuri have been barred from participating in all cricket-related activities pending investigation.

The ACA has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the state police’s crime branch to initiate a criminal investigation into the matter. The players allegedly attempted to influence and instigate other Assam cricketers during the tournament, which ran from 26 November to 8 December in Lucknow. The allegations were first highlighted during a preliminary enquiry by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).

“Prima facie, there appears to be their involvement in serious misconduct affecting the integrity of the sport,” ACA secretary Sanatan Das said. The suspension is aimed at preserving discipline within Assam cricket and preventing any further disruption to matches or player conduct during the ongoing investigation.

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The four suspended players are barred from all state-level matches, district-level competitions, and affiliated club activities. The restriction also extends to roles such as coaching, umpiring, or serving as match referees, ensuring that the ongoing inquiry is not compromised in any way.

Assam failed to qualify for the Super League stage of SMAT 2025, and while the team’s on-field performance has been scrutinized, the ACA emphasized that the swift action reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. Das added that the suspension will remain in effect until the conclusion of the investigation or further notice by the association.

The scandal underscores the continued vigilance by state cricket bodies and the BCCI in addressing corruption, highlighting the zero-tolerance policy toward unethical practices in domestic cricket. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the careers of the suspended players.

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