Ban on Sharjeel unjust, says Senate body

ISLAMABAD: Special Senate Committee formed to overview sports federations’ performance has termed the ban on cricketer Sharjeel Khan unjust.

Committee convener Senator Ashok Kumar said that according to his information, “Sharjeel is not guilty and the ban imposed on him is unjust. “We will not allow any institution to ruin the careers of innocent cricketers,” he said.

The committee believed that there was no solid evidence found against Sharjeel. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad, however, said that Sharjeel was found guilty by Anti Corruption Unit. “That was why he was banned and fined. Sharjeel has appealed against the ban,” said Subhan, who was accompanied by PCB chief advisor Shakeel Sheikh.

The committee members expressed their anger over Najam Sethi’s absence from the meeting. “He should have appeared in person. Make sure he appears in person in the next meeting,” the convener of the committee said.

The committee also sought details of perk and privileges given to PCB employees.The committee also expressed concerns over Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) audit and accounts report presented to it.

“All details about audit and accounts of the federation should be submitted in next meeting,” Ashok said. The committee was told that PFF had Rs160 million in cash in accounts. Abu Akif, secretary IPC, said that FIFA still considered Faisal Saleh Hayat the head of PFF.