Sports

PSL match-fixing inquiry widens to 10 other players, including Irfan

By Web Desk
February 11, 2017

DUBAI: Mohammad Irfan is the latest Islamabad United cricketer who will return to Pakistan after being dropped from the team, following ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit initiated an inquiry regarding match-fixing in the Pakistan Super League which includes 10 players. 

According to details, Mohammad Irfan's name has not been included in the final playing eleven of the Pakistan Super League. An inquiry has been initiated involving Irfan in the recent match-fixing allegations which have rocked the PSL since Friday.

Irfan does not face immediate suspension, Babar and Hasan to continue playing PSL: Sethi

PSL Chairman Najam Sethi confirmed that Irfan was being investigated by the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit but ruled out immediate suspension like Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif had suffered. The former PCB Chairman stated that Quetta Gladiators' Zulfiqar Babar and Karachi Kings' Shahzaib Hasan had been probed by ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit and had been allowed to play the league.

After reeling from the loss of pinch-hitters Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan, Islamabad United posted an official statement expressing disappointment at the latest development and stated that they would be replacing the two cricketers mired in the match-fixing scandal. 

"We are understandably disappointed at this development but emphasize on our commitment to to a zero-tolerance policy  towards any violations of the rules or the stated guidelines," read the statement.

Islamabad United will be looking to replace the two senior players of the team, according to the statement.

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan had earlier claimed that he would be taking stern action against those found guilty in match-fixing and claimed that PCB had proof of involvement of both suspended players in the scandal.

Speaking to media personnel, Shaharyar Khan said that ICC and British courts had shown leniency with regard to match fixing but PCB would not. He said that proofs had been obtained regarding Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, the Islamabad United duo who were suspended for allegedly meeting with suspicious persons said to be bookies, in their hotel rooms.

Read more: Have proof against both suspended players: PCB Chairman

Sharjeel Khan had scored a match-winning century in the final of the inaugural Pakistan Super League last year, which had propelled Islamabad United to ultimately win the final and lift the trophy.