Ban on Sharjeel Khan defies our zero corruption stand: PCB

On 30th August 2017, a three-member Anti-Corruption Tribunal, formed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took a defiant step to show the world and all the players that they observe a zero tolerance policy against corrupt activities at any level. Former Pakistani opener Sharjeel Khan was banned for 5 years by the three-member Anti-Corruption Tribunal to probe into the spot-fixing scandal in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

However, the left-hander is still allowed to play after two & a half years fulfilling some prerequisites. The PCB stated that their decision vindicates their zero corruption stand and also made it absolutely clear that it will not appeal further against the five-year spot-fixing ban imposed on Sharjeel.

Earlier, Sharjeel and his lawyer Shaigan Ejaz had accepted the authority of the tribunal and appeared in all hearings, and also made it clear that they had full faith in the tribunal and would co-operate. The PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi praised the decision of the Tribunal and termed it a major step towards the eradication of corrupt activities in the sport. Sethi further stated that the ACT had the complete support of PCB in identifying the culprits involved in the fixing-scandal.

“The PCB Anti-Corruption and Vigilance Department deserves great credit for identifying the culprits and nipping the spot-fixing scandal in the bud through their prompt action,” Sethi said in a statement.

Other players involved will be punished

Earlier, the PCB had provisionally suspended Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed from playing any form of cricket for violating anti-corruption code during the recent Pakistan Super League. “PCB hopes that the three remaining players will be dealt with in accordance to the proportionality of their offenses. The PCB will continue to fight all corrupt elements that attempt to tarnish the game both at the Domestic and International level,” the statement read.

“Both Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were promptly withdrawn and sent home for their questionable conduct that sullied the game besides tarnishing the spotless reputation of the PSL,” the statement concluded.

In the end of its proceedings, the tribunal stated that both parties, within 14 days of the short order, could file an appeal with either an independent adjudicator of the board or with the CAS in Switzerland.