Sharjeel ban unjust, says Senate body

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

The committee’s convener Senator Ashok Kumar said that according to his information, “Sharjeel is not guilty and ban imposed on him is unjust. We would not allow any institution to ruin career of innocent cricketers.”

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 the Anti-Corruption Unit.

“That was why he was banned and fined. Sharjeel has already appealed against the ban,” Subhan, who was also accompanied by PCB chairman’s advisor Shakil Shaikh, said.The committee members expressed their anger over PCB Chairman Najam Sethi’s absence from the meeting. “He should have appeared in person. Make sure he appears in person in the next meeting,” Senator Ashok Kumar said.

The committee also sought details of perks and privileges given to the PCB employees. The committee expressed concern over the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) audit and accounts report presented to it. “All details about PFF audit and accounts should be submitted in the next meeting,” Ashok Kumar said.The committee was told that the PFF has Rs160 million in its accounts. Secretary IPC Abu Akif told the committee that FIFA still recognised Faisal Saleh Hayat as the PFF president.