The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned United States international cricketer Bodugum Akhilesh Reddy from all forms of cricket for eight years on 3 August 2026.
This heavy penalty follows an investigation into match-fixing during a popular T20 league. A specialist tribunal found the 26-year-old guilty of three serious breaches of the sport’s anti-corruption code.
USA offspinner B Akhilesh Reddy has been found guilty of breaching three counts of the ICC’s anti-corruption code
Full story: https://t.co/fk3pujSGdA pic.twitter.com/OY2Or7stsi
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 3, 2026
These illegal acts took place during the Abu Dhabi T10 League in the United Arab Emirates in 2025. Consequently, Reddy cannot participate in any professional cricket matches until the end of his suspension. The ICC acted as the official anti-corruption body for this tournament after the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) appointed them to the role.
Match Fixing and Improper Influence
The ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal confirmed that Bodugum Akhilesh Reddy had violated three specific rules designed to ensure cricket was played fairly and honestly. The tribunal first found Reddy guilty of breaching Article 2.1.1 of the code.
This rule prevents players from trying to change or manipulate the outcome of a game unfairly. Reddy attempted to influence the “result, progress, conduct or other aspect” of games in the T10 tournament.
Encouraging Others to Cheat
Second, Reddy was charged under Article 2.1.4. The charge includes “soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading or encouraging” another player to fix matches. Reddy did not act alone, and he actively called out another person to join him in his cheating. The ICC said he had attempted to involve others in his corrupt scheme, so a long-term ban was needed to prevent similar behaviour in the future.
Deleting Evidence and Obstructing the Case
Third, the player broke Article 2.4.7 by obstructing the official investigation. When investigators began looking into his actions, Reddy deleted data and messages from his mobile phone. He did this because the messages likely contained evidence that would prove his guilt. However, the ICC found sufficient evidence to prove that he deliberately attempted to conceal the truth from the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO).
The Abu Dhabi T10 League Scandal
During the 2025 tournament, Reddy played for the Aspin Stallions. This team featured several world-famous stars, including former India spinner Harbhajan Singh and England’s Sam Billings. Although the Stallions reached the final of the competition, Reddy only made two appearances during the entire season.
He eventually missed out on the trophy when his team lost to the UAE Bulls in the final. Meanwhile, his suspicious actions behind the scenes had already triggered an investigation. The ICC provisionally suspended him shortly after his two appearances, which effectively ended his time in the league.
Timeline of the Suspension and Ruling
The ICC backdated Reddy’s eight-year ban to 21 November 2025. That’s the date of the first time the ICC suspended him while they investigated the claims. The ban is effective from that date, so he has already served a few months of his punishment while waiting for the final hearing.
After weighing up all the evidence and Reddy’s attempts to cover it up, the tribunal delivered its final verdict on 3 August 2026. This decision serves as a warning to all players that the ICC will not tolerate corruption of any kind. Reddy’s ban is among the longest handed to a USA player in recent years.
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