USA cricketer Bodugum Akhilesh Reddy has been handed an eight-year ban from all forms of cricket after an ICC anti-corruption tribunal found him guilty of multiple violations of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The suspension has been applied retrospectively from November 21, 2025, the date when he was provisionally suspended, and will remain in place until November 2033.
The decision comes after an investigation into alleged anti-corruption violations during the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. The ICC was acting as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board for the competition.
The tribunal found Akhilesh guilty of three separate breaches of the anti-corruption regulations, including allegations related to attempting to improperly influence aspects of matches, encouraging another participant to commit a breach and obstructing the investigation process.
Tribunal Finds Breach Related to Match Integrity
One of the major charges against Akhilesh involved Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. This provision relates to attempts to fix, manipulate or improperly influence the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of a cricket match.
According to the tribunal’s findings, Akhilesh was found guilty of violating this article in connection with the allegations investigated during the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.
The anti-corruption code is designed to protect the integrity of cricket by preventing players and officials from engaging in activities that could compromise fair competition. Breaches under this category are considered serious offences because they directly impact trust in the sport.
Additional Charge Involved Encouraging Another Participant
The tribunal also found Akhilesh guilty under Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. This section covers actions such as soliciting, encouraging, persuading, instructing or intentionally facilitating another participant to commit a breach related to match manipulation.
The finding means the tribunal determined that Akhilesh’s actions went beyond individual conduct and involved an attempt to influence another participant’s involvement in activities prohibited under the anti-corruption regulations.
Anti-corruption authorities in cricket have consistently maintained that any effort to involve other players or participants in activities that threaten match integrity is treated as a serious violation.
Investigation Obstruction Leads to Third Violation
In addition to the corruption-related charges, Akhilesh was also found guilty of breaching Article 2.4.7 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
The tribunal determined that he obstructed the investigation by deleting data and messages from his mobile device that could have been relevant to the inquiry.
Preserving potential evidence is a key requirement during anti-corruption investigations. The ICC Code requires participants to cooperate fully with authorities and avoid actions that could interfere with the investigation process.
Eight-Year Suspension Ends Akhilesh Reddy’s Cricket Career Until 2033
Following the tribunal’s decision, Akhilesh Reddy will remain suspended from all cricket-related activities for eight years. Since the ban has been backdated to the date of his provisional suspension on November 21, 2025, he will be eligible to return only after the completion of the suspension period in November 2033.
The lengthy punishment reflects the seriousness with which cricket authorities treat offences involving corruption, match manipulation and attempts to undermine the integrity of the sport.
The ICC Anti-Corruption Code provides a framework to protect cricket from activities that could affect the fairness and credibility of matches. Players and officials are required to follow strict regulations and cooperate with investigations conducted by authorised anti-corruption bodies.
Akhilesh Represented USA in Four T20 Internationals
Akhilesh Reddy represented the United States national cricket team in four T20 Internationals. All of his international appearances came in April 2025.
Before the ban, he was part of the growing group of players representing the USA as the country continued to expand its presence in international cricket.
The suspension now prevents him from participating in domestic and international cricket activities for the duration of the punishment.
Second USA International to Face Anti-Corruption Action
Akhilesh Reddy is the second USA international cricketer to face action under anti-corruption regulations in 2026.
Earlier, batter Aaron Jones was sanctioned and provisionally suspended after being charged with five breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during his participation in Barbados’ Bim10 tournament in the 2023-24 season.
The cases highlight the continued focus of cricket authorities on monitoring player conduct and preventing corruption risks across domestic and international competitions.
ICC Continues Efforts to Protect Cricket Integrity
The ICC and its anti-corruption units regularly work with cricket boards and tournament organisers to identify, investigate and address potential threats to the sport’s integrity.
Players participating in recognised competitions are required to complete anti-corruption education programmes and follow reporting obligations regarding any approaches or suspicious activities connected to matches.
The governing body has repeatedly stated that protecting the credibility of cricket remains a priority and that serious breaches of anti-corruption rules will result in strict action.
Impact on USA Cricket
The ban comes at a time when cricket in the United States is undergoing significant growth, with increased attention following the expansion of international competitions and the development of the sport’s infrastructure in the country.
While Akhilesh Reddy’s suspension is an individual disciplinary matter, the case underlines the importance of maintaining strong governance standards as cricket continues to grow across new regions.
The eight-year ban will keep Akhilesh away from competitive cricket until 2033, with his future return depending on the completion of the suspension period and compliance with applicable cricket regulations.
Source: ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal information provided in the supplied source material.
