PCB suggests Danish Kaneria to approach the ECB for reviewing his life ban

Pakistan international Danish Kaneria, last month, had requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to allow him to play domestic cricket at least by removing his life ban. Kaneria, who has 261 scalps under his belt, donned the Test jersey for Pakistan 61 matches before receiving a life ban.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), in 2012, had slapped a life ban on Kaneria for spot-fixing in English county matches. After denying his involvement in spot-fixing and pleading his innocence, Kaneria finally admitted in late 2018 to a foreign television network he was guilty.

Kaneria, after being sidelined from international cricket since 2012, had approached the PCB to lift his ban for resuming cricket to earn his livelihood. However, the Pakistan board has stated Kaneria to approach the ECB if he wants to get his life ban lifted.

“Article 6.8 of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code, which is applicable in this case, clearly states only the chair of the anti-corruption tribunal, which has imposed a period of ineligibility on a player, had the discretion to permit the player to participate,” the PCB said in a press release.

“As such, you are advised to approach the ECB as per Article 6.8 of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code,” it further said.

Danish Kaneria is Pakistan’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests

Kaneria revealed that he continues to face struggles, personally and professionally, since the improvement of the life ban. However, the PCB clarified that since he had exhausted all his avenues to appeal against the life ban, only the ECB can review his case. Kaneria is the fourth-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in Tests, only behind the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Imran Khan.

“The life ban was imposed by the ECB and upheld by all ICC Members as per Article 9 of the ICC/PCB Anti-Corruption Code, and the only way it could have been overturned was by way of appeal, an avenue which has already been explored,” the PCB release said.

In a similar appeal by former Test captain, Salim Malk, PCB said it won’t be able to help him unless he co-operates. PCB said that Malik was unable to respond to the contents of the transcripts of a conversation dating back to 2000. Malik was banned for life for match-fixing by the PCB in 2000.

“You chose not to respond to the contents of the transcripts of a conversation that took place in April 2000. In the backdrop of the above, the PCB will be unable to proceed any further until such time you respond on the said matter,” the release said.