Ashraful to file appeal against ban

Mohammad Ashraful is set to appeal the eight-year ban slapped on him by the BPL anti-corruption tribunal for his involvement in match and spot-fixing in the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League. The plea has to be made to the chairman of the BCB's disciplinary committee, Sheikh Sohel, who will determine whether to reconsider his punishment.

On Tuesday, Ashraful said he would make the appeal any time in the next seven days, and is also determined to stay in good physical condition, for which he is seeking the BCB's permission to get access to its facilities.

"I think I still have a week left to lodge the appeal," he said at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. "I will make it within this time. At the same time I am trying to meet a trainer to put together a training programme for myself."

Ashraful spoke to a few BCB officials, and while walking out of the headquarters, he met the new Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha with whom he exchanged greetings. At one stage, Ashraful asked if Hathurusingha could arrange training facilities for him. Hathurusingha told him to put in a written request to the board.

Ashraful was charged on four counts, and though his exile is for eight years, he has been given a three-year suspended sentence subject to participation in authorised anti-corruption education or rehabilitation programmes under ICC, BCB or ACC during the eight years.