ICC appreciates PCB’s proposal of criminalising match-fixing in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s call to make match and spot-fixing criminal activities in Pakistan. Ehsan Mani, the PCB chief, earlier asked for the laws to be stricter for those, who mar the sanctity of the sport. Mani reckoned that since the PCB don’t have the authority to delve deep into personal bank accounts or call the witnesses in such matters.

Therefore, they were unable to make thorough investigations of any activity. A spokesperson from the apex cricket board said that they are in touch with the law enforcement agencies in a number of countries and are hoping for a positive result.

We have seen the positive impact: ICC

“In countries where it is (match fixing) already illegal, we work closely with law enforcement agencies which enables us to carry out our work more effectively and acts as a strong deterrent to the criminals trying to corrupt the game of cricket,” the ICC spokesperson was quoted as saying in Dawn.

He also stated how such type of laws have worked wonders in Sri Lanka. “We have seen the positive impact of the recent introduction of such legislation in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Earlier, Mani said that the PCB would be following the previous guidelines where a player could make a return after finishing the suspension period and the rehabilitation process.

“We abide by the ICC guidelines and I believe there is a need to make match-fixing a criminal offence in Pakistan like it is in New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka. I have already talked to the government in this regard,” Mani said.

Of late, Sharjeel Khan, who was found guilty in the 2017 Pakistan Super League (PSL), made his return in the same tournament. He played for the Karachi Kings, led by Imad Wasim, and played some quickfire knocks. Mohammad Amir, who bowled the infamous no-ball in the 2010 Lord’s Test is also a part of the Pakistan national setup.

Salman Butt, the Pakistan skipper in 2010, has also played domestic cricket. Around 2000, Saleem Malik was handed a life ban. Earlier, a number of former cricketers, including Mohammad Hafeez, showed their displeasure over allowing tainted cricketers to make a comeback.