PCB provisionally suspends two PSL players under Anti-Corruption Code

Published - 10 Feb 2017, 20:47 IST | Updated - 10 Feb 2017, 20:47 IST

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In the first knock of corruption in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended two Pakistan cricketers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif. The PSL season 2 got underway yesterday (February 9), both the players have been suspended as a part of the investigation. Reports suggest that there is suspicion of their being an international syndicate deployed to root corruption in the league.

PCB is investigating the case and has support from the International Cricket Council (ICC). 27-year-old Sharjeel has played 1 Test, 25 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Pakistan represents Islamabad United in the tournament. Khalid who recently made a T20I comeback for Pakistan in the series against West Indies is a part of the same team.

UPDATE: PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan hints at possibility of more players being involved in spot-fixing in #PSL2017: https://t.co/F3b7n56e7K
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) February 10, 2017

Sources to @WisdenIndia: "Sharjeel Khan was seen crying on flight back since his international career is in danger". https://t.co/F3b7n4OCJa
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) February 10, 2017

Najam Sethi, Chairman of the PSL in a statement didn’t get into details but said that the investigation is on and that they are determined to prevent any attempts of corrupting the league.

“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.

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PCB ACU as well as the ICC ACU are working in collaboration on the case. “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.” Sethi added.

Speaking about the incident, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said as per the quotes on Wisden India, “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.”

Here’s the statement from Islamabad United