Sharjeel Khan has been handed a five-year ban from all forms of cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over spot-fixing in the second edition of PSL earlier this year.
“Sharjeel is banned for five years, which has two-and-a-half year suspended, after the proceedings of the case,” said Asghat Haider, who headed the three-member tribunal which also included former PCB Chairman Lt Gen (R) Tauqir Zia and ex-Test cricketer Wasim Bari. The panel was set-up to look into allegations of spot-fixing during the 2017 edition of the PSL.
Speaking to the press after the tribunal’s decision, PCB Legal Advisor Taffazul Rizvi, said the punishment was just as the batsman was found guilty on all charges. “The charges have been proven. He was given minimum punishment with no fines imposed. This decision has shown that we had strong proofs against him,” he said.
The 28-year old batsman, who represented Islamabad United, is said to have accepted allegations that he played out two dot balls on purpose during the said encounter. The batsman could have been handed a longer ban but escaped with minimal sentences for each of the five charges laid against him.
Sharjeel and fellow Islamabad United player, Khalid Latif, were placed under immediate suspension by the PCB in the aftermath of the scandal. Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed are also facing similar charges while the fifth, former fast bowler, Mohammad Irfan, was banned for a period of six months for his failure in reporting the offer to the PCB. He received a six-month ban with six months suspended and was also fined one million rupees.
Sharjeel’s ban will take effect from the day he was provisionally suspended (February 10, 2017). The detailed judgement is expected to be released later while an appellate tribunal is also expected to be formed – in accordance with PCB’s rules – which will allow the banned batsman to file an appeal against his sentencing.
Shegan Ijaz, counsel of Sharjeel Khan, said his client will exercise his right to appeal against what he termed as ‘unjust punishment’. “We were expecting acquittal on spot-fixing charges,” he said. “We will file an appeal on the decision. We have strong reservations against it as the onus is not on Sharjeel Khan to prove his innocence,” the Counsel added.
