ICC Bans Two Cricketers For 8 Years For Attempted Match-Fixing In World Cup Qualifiers

Both Naveed and Anwar are among United Arab Emirates' most experienced international players. 41-year-old Anwar is the highest run-getter for his team in white ball cricket and 33-year-old Naveed is a former skipper and one of UAE's most prolific wicket-keeper batsman. 

AFP

United Arab Emirates (UAE) players Mohammed Naveed and Shaiman Anwar Butt have been banned from international cricket for eight years each under the ICC-Anti Corruption Code. 

Earlier on 16th October 2019, both players were found guilty of two offences each under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for attempting to corrupt matches of ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.

Both Naveed and Anwar are among United Arab Emirates' most experienced international players. 41-year-old Anwar is the highest run-getter for his team in white ball cricket and 33-year-old Naveed is a former skipper and one of UAE's most prolific wicket-keeper batsman. 

After an independent anti-corruption tribunal hearing, both Naveed and Shaiman were found guilty of:

Article 2.1.1 – for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match or matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.

Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.

Naveed was also found guilty of breaching the following two counts of the Emirates Cricket Board Anti-Corruption Code for participants of the T10 League 2019:

Article 2.1.1 – for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match or matches at the T10 League 2019.

Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code at the T10 League 2019. 

Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, said: “Mohammad Naveed and Shaiman Anwar represented their adopted country, the UAE at the highest level in cricket. 

“Naveed was the captain and leading wicket taker. Anwar was the opening bat. Both had long international careers and were well versed in the threat from match fixers. That they both chose to engage with this corrupt activity was a cynical betrayal of their positions, their teammates, and all supporters of UAE cricket. 

“I am pleased that the independent Tribunal has imposed significant bans from all forms of cricket and this should serve as a warning to any cricketer who considers taking the wrong path.”