Sharjeel and Latif suspended by PCB

dubai — It has been nipped in the bud before it could reach catastrophic proportions. Seven years after the spot-fixing scandal rocked Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has prevented an attempt to sully the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The PCB have provisionally suspended Islamabad United’s Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, after the two were found to be in contact with a few members from a match-fixing syndicate. They have already been sent back home to Pakistan.

It is understood that the two players were said to have met these people near the team hotel, after the opening game against Peshawar Zalmi at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Najam Sethi, the Chairman of the PSL said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of the case, however this investigation is a clear demonstration of our determination to drive corruption out of our sport. We will not tolerate any form of corrupt activity and as this investigation proceeds we will not hesitate to take further decisive action as appropriate.

“The investigation of the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit backed by the ICC ACU has been effective in dealing with this case to date and we will continue to work in the closest collaboration as the investigation proceeds. We are all absolutely committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who would seek to damage the integrity of our sport.”

Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said: “I must remind all players of their responsibilities in the fight against corruption. They must understand that if they even think they may have been the subject of a suspicious approach, it is their obligation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code to report it to an appropriate anti-corruption official as a matter of urgency.

“Under no circumstances will the PCB condone actions of a few individuals to bring disrepute to the game of cricket or taint the image of Pakistan.”

james@khaleejtimes.com