Updated: Media reports in the morning claimed that 7’1” left arm fast bowler Mohammad Irfan was suspended from the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) over corruption allegations and being sent back home. However, according to latest updates, as tweeted by Najam Sethi, Irfan, along with Karachi Kings’ Shahzaib Hasan and Quetta Gladiators’ Zulfiqar Babar were questioned and not suspended.
1/3: PCB ACU has questioned M Irfan. Inquiry will continue. He does not face any immediate suspension.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) February 11, 2017
2/3: PCB ACU has questioned S Hassan and Z Babar. They will continue to play @thePSLt20 .
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) February 11, 2017
3/3: PCB ACU will remain vigilant and continue to protect @thePSLt20 from the menace of corruption.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) February 11, 2017
Read: PCB to consult former test players to improve cricket conditions
Last night, two Islamabad United players Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were suspended and sent home over match fixing allegations.
According to Express Tribune story, Irfan’s belongings including his mobile phone has been seized by PCB officials. Reportedly, six players are involved in the scandal that hit PSL on day two, three of them already been identified while players from Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars are being investigated by PCB.
Also Read: Two PSL players suspended under PCB anti-corruption code
Islamabad United management felt disappointed about the incident and emphasized the commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of the rules or stated guidelines.
Update on today's news: pic.twitter.com/DVjmF4xrW1
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 10, 2017
“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 PSL chairman Mr. Najam Sethi.
“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,” he added.
Match-fixing allegations in PSL extremely gutting but honestly I saw it coming. If proven, it shud b non-negotiable. Guilty shud b punished.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 10, 2017
After the unfortunate event, Chairman PCB Mian Shaharyar M. Khan reminded players about their obligation to report all suspicious approach to PCB. “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,” he said.
Also read: PSL II: PCB calls FICA statement careless and cavalier
“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,” he added.
