NCA completes PSL spot-fixing probe

LONDON: The National Security Agency (NCA) has completed its investigation into Nasir Jamshed and two others related alleged spot-fixing in Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Dubai earlier this year. 

Cricketer Nasir Jamshed, Yousuf Anwar and a British national from Sheffield are under investigation in relation to the probe and remain on the police bail. All of them were arrested in the second and third week of February from Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield by the detectives on tip-off that Jamshed and two others corrupted PSL players Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif as they played for PSL’s second edition in Dubai.

A source aware about the investigation told Geo News that the investigation into PSL 2017 spot-fixing attempts has been completed and a “charging decision” is likely within days. The NCA will announce shortly whether it is going to charge and Nasir Jamshed or two others or whether it will drop the case. The NCA will charge the suspects only if there is sufficient evidence and good chances of successful prosecution.

Geo News understands that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been made aware about the completion of spot-fixing investigation.

A meeting between the NCA and PCB officials is set for early next week where key findings of the investigation will be shared with Pakistan. A PCB source confirmed that it provided “evidence” to the NCA based on its findings.

The source confirmed that a meeting has been scheduled but didn’t provide details. The NCA confirmed that it’s in touch with the PCB officials but refused to comment on the completion of investigation and the possible charging decision. 

This scribe revealed yesterday that Nasir Jamshed was being controlled by a third man, who is on police bail, with ties to Indian bookies.

Jamshed and Yousuf Anwar were the first to be arrested by the NCA. The third person, a British national, was arrested from a house in Sheffield on February 23.

His name has not yet surfaced but it is understood that this man was the one who was directly in contact with Indian bookies and maintained contact with Jamshed, using him to get in touch with players taking part in PSL 2017.

PCB suspended Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif under its anti-corruption code as part of the investigation. Sharjeel is alleged to have deliberately played two dot balls in return for money in the opening match of the tournament before he was out for one off four balls.