Pakistan cricketers Sharjeel, Latif suspended for involvement in spot-fixing

Photo: PCB

New Delhi: The dark clouds of spot-fixing have yet again gripped Pakistan cricket. The second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) got off to a shocking start as two Pakistan cricketers were provisionally suspended for their alleged involvement in spot-fixing. Sharjeel Khan and Kahlid Latif, both member of Pakistan’s T20 squad were handed a 2-year suspension by Pakistan’s Anti-Corruption Unit. 

Sharjeel and Latif have both been sent home from Dubai for further investigation. The duo represents defending champions Islamabad United in PSL.

"It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of the case, however this investigation is a clear demonstration of our determination to drive corruption out of our sport," Najam Sethi, chairman of the PSL. "We will not tolerate any form of corrupt activity and as this investigation proceeds we will not hesitate to take further decisive action as appropriate.”

The second edition of PSL got off to a glittering start at Dubai on February 9 but was rocked by this controversy. 

"They must understand that if they even think they may have been the subject of a suspicious approach, it is their obligation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code to report it to an appropriate anti-corruption official as a matter of urgency,” said PCB chief Shaharyar Khan. 

This not the first time Pakistan players have been involved in fixing issues, Mohammed Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were caught in spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010. While Amir made a comeback to the Test side, Butt and Asif are yet to be recalled in the Pakistan side. 

Three years back Test leg-spinner, Danish Kaneria was banned for life by the England and Wales Cricket Board for spot fixing in county cricket.