PCB summons Nawaz for possible breaches of anti-corruption code

KARACHI: Young all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz on Monday became the latest Pakistani cricketer to be included in a widening corruption probe carried out by the country’s cricket board.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the Board’s security and vigilance department has issued a notice of demand to Nawaz as part of its investigations into corruption.

The 23-year-old Nawaz, who made his international debut last year after a successful Pakistan Super League season, has been asked to appear before the security and vigilance department in relation to the possible breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code.

A PCB release said Nawaz was issued a notice “in continuation of its fight against the menace of corruption in cricket”.

The notice of demand was issued under Article 4.3 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code. The release also said the PCB would not make further comments due to the “sensitivity of the matters under question”.

Article 4.3 says the security and vigilance department can make a written demand to any participant to provide in writing and/or by answering questions in person at an interview with any information that the department believes may be relevant to the investigation. The clause states that the player (Mohammad Nawaz in this case) will have to share all relevant information with PCB within fourteen days of the notice.

Nawaz, who has played three Tests, nine One-day Internationals and five T20 games for Pakistan, is currently at the NCA in Lahore as part of an ongoing allrounders’ camp the PCB is conducting.

According to sources, PCB is investigating into an approach made to Nawaz during Pakistan team’s tour to Australia last year. The approach was already reported by Nawaz, however it is not clear that if it was reported immediately or was delayed.

Nawaz is sixth player to be summoned by the PCB since corruption scandal in Pakistan Super League has surfaced. Pacer Mohammad Irfan has already been suspended by PCB for 12 months while Nasir Jamshed, Shahzeb Hasan, Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan have their cases being heard in an anti-corruption tribunal.