Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been handed out a one-year suspension and a fine of PKR 1 million by the Pakistan Cricket Board for his connection in the PSL corruption case.
Irfan has been suspended after he violated PCB’s anti- corruption code by not reporting to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department about the two approaches that were made to him to involve in corruption.
He pleaded guilty to the charges by submitting a written statement on Monday (March 27) and then had two meetings with the board. The tall pacer also requested for forgiveness, while strongly denying any direct involvement in any fixing activity.
“I was approached twice and it was my mistake that I did not report it to PCB’s anti-corruption unit,” Irfan said. “I admit my mistake for not reporting it to the ACU but I didn’t get involved in any corrupt activity and gave a shut-up call to those who approached me.
“I ask the whole nation to forgive me if anyone is hurt by this mistake of mine. I hope you will forgive me.”
Irfan was originally questioned along with Shahzaib Hasan and Zulfiqar Babar in the opening week of the PSL and subsequently allowed to play in the league. He was later placed under provisional suspension on March 14 for breaching PCB’s Code Article 2.4.4 which relates to “Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code.”
PSL 2017 plunged into a corruption mess after it was revealed that two Islamabad United players, Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, were involved in acts that violated PCB’s anti-corruption code. Both Sharjeel and Latif admitted to a breach of discipline, but vehemently denied spot-fixing charges.
While Sharjeel and Latif were placed under immediate suspension, two other players, Irfan and Shahzaib, who were also linked to the mess, were allowed to continue playing in the league. The four Islamabad United players were accused of allegedly meeting the bookie soon after the season’s opening game between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi ended in Dubai, on February 9.
The 34-year-old Irfan, whose central contract also stands suspended, has a window of little relief and can get his suspension reduced to six months if
- There is no further/additional breach of the PCB Code by Irfan within one (01) year of the commencement of the period of Ineligibility; and no previous breach of the Code by Irfan comes to light. If any such breach(es) take place the PCB shall reserve the right to initiate separate and independent proceedings against Irfan under the Code.
- He will provide Substantial Assistance (as described under the Code) to the PCB Vigilance and Security; and
- He will, over the next six months, participate under the auspices of PCB in programs of Anti- Corruption education, which may include amongst other things, delivering lectures on Anti-Corruption at such places and to such audiences as the PCB Vigilance and Security Department deems fit and appearing in any Anti-Corruption videos.
