Fifth player suspended in the PSL spot-fixing scandal

The spot-fixing scandal in the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is taking new turns every day, with more and more names emerging from the bad books. Right-handed batsman Shahzaib Hasan has now become the fifth Pakistan player to be provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after investigations proved Hasan’s involvement in the scandal.

Shahzaib has been suspended from participating in all forms of cricket for failing to report a corrupt advance from bookie in time and for also allegedly inducing players in corruption, ESPNCricinfo reported. He was charged for breaching three major clauses – 2.1.4, 2.4.4 and 2.4.5 and was given 14 days to respond to the charge sheet, confirmed the PCB.

Shahzaib, along with Mohammad Irfan, underwent two days of investigation in which he was questioned about already suspended Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif and the reason for delay in reporting the advances made by bookies to him.

The spot-fixing scandal broke out when in February after the first match of the PSL season two, batsmen Sharjeel and Latif were charged and an independent tribunal was set up to hear their case. Also, as part of the same investigation, former Pakistan opener Nasir Jamshed was also arrested in the UK, later let out on bail.

Shahzaib last played international cricket more than six years ago. The only highlight of his brief international career was playing in the World T20 2009. However, his batting has been flamboyant with an impressive T20 strike rate of 137.64 but in domestic cricket, his inconsistent performance never allowed him to regain his national place.

For the rest of the suspended players, though, the PCB announced six new debutants for the upcoming tour of West Indies. However, skipper Sarfaraz Khan was quoted as saying earlier today that the absence of some of the players, especially Sharjeel Khan, will be a big blow to his team.