Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been banned for a year for violating the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Code.
The PCB Vigilance and Security Department had on 14 March 2017 issued a notice of charge against Irfan wherein he was charged with two violations of Article 2.4.4 of the Code.
Irfan submitted his written statement on 27 March 2017 admitting the charges levelled against him by PCB and appeared for two subsequent meetings with PCB on 27th and 28th March 2017 to properly explain his case.PCB’s Statement
PCB had alleged that Irfan had, “on two occasions, failed to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of the approaches and invitations received by him to engage in Corrupt Conduct”.
After the fast bowler approached the board to initiate proceedings, PCB had asked Irfan to submit in a written statement a version of events and his response to the allegations.
Mohammad Irfan said in his statement:
You are aware that on March 14th the board called in and suspended me on the basis of two allegations, out of which I accept that it was my fault that I failed to let the board know when bookies approached me. PCB’s code of conduct makes it clear that we have to report any such interaction immediately and I didn’t do that. I am formally asking the nation for their forgiveness and hope that I will be pardoned by them.
The following “Agreed Sanction” is being enforced on Irfan:
- A period of ineligibility of one (01) year shall be imposed on Irfan, six (06) months of which may be suspended on the following additional conditions:
- That 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;
- Pay to the PCB a fine of PKR. 1,000,000/- (Pakistan Rupees One Million Only;
- Irfan will provide substantial assistance (as described under the Code) to the PCB Vigilance and Security; and
- Irfan 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.
- During the period of ineligibility Irfan’s central contract executed with PCB shall stand suspended and no new contract shall be offered to him.
- In accordance with Article 6.4 of the Code, the period of Provisional Suspension imposed by the PCB in accordance with Article 4.7.1 (a) (starting on 14th March 2017, as detailed in the Notice of Charge dated 14th March 2017) shall be credited against the total period of ineligibility to be served.
It is important for all players to take note and be reminded of their responsibilities and obligations under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code and that no form of corrupt activity shall ever be tolerated by PCB.Shaharyar Khan, Chairman PCB and Najam Sethi, Chairman PSL
The top officials of the board said they were satisfied that Irfan had not engaged in any malpractice and that his suspension was for failing to report the approach made to him.
One official said the decision to suspend his contract for one year will be reviewed after six months at which point it may be restored.
Irfan had earlier been suspended on 14 March after he appeared before the PCB's Anti-Corruption Unit after the PSL final in Lahore.
It is also being reported that Irfan might have reached an agreement with the Board's ACU under which he has shown willingness to share all details off the spot-fixing scandal in the PSL and also point out the players and bookmakers involved in the racket.
But so far neither the Board nor Irfan has commented on these reports.
Irfan, during his meeting with the PCB ACU officials, claimed he was unable to report the approach made to him because he was mentally disturbed after the death of his mother who passed away when he was in Australia.
Irfan also lost his father a few months back.
The PCB has formed a three-member tribunal to hear the case against batsmen Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan who have been charged with spot-fixing in the PSL and trying to coax other players into the racket as well.
Irfan, Khalid and Sharjeel all played for Islamabad United in the PSL.
The seven foot tall Irfan made his international debut in 2010 and was the tallest-ever player to grace the game.
He has played four Tests and 20 Twenty20 internationals along with 60 one-day internationals, where he has taken 83 wickets at an average of 30.71.
(With inputs from PTI)
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