LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday banned pacer Muhammad Irfan for one year and a fine of one million rupees over spot-fixing offences.
Irfan will face the suspension in two phases, the first for six months after which the decision will be reviewed based on the conditions laid by the PCB.
He has been banned from all forms of cricket for the next six motnhs and his central contract has also been suspended. The ban is effective from March 14.
Irfan was charged with two violations of Article 2.4.4 of the CB’s Anti-Corruption Code for Participants 2015. It was alleged he had, on two occasions, failed to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department full details of the approaches and invitations received by him to engage in corrupt conduct.
Irfan submitted his written statement on March 27 admitting the charges against him, and appeared for two subsequent meetings March 27-28 to explain his case.
Irfan will also provide substantial assistance to the PCB Vigilance and Security and, over the next six months, participate in programs of Anti- Corruption education, which include delivering lectures and appearing in videos on anti-corruption.
Earlier, Irfan submitted his reply to the Anti-Corruption Unit of the PCB, and confessed that he was approached by bookies but did not inform them violating cricketing rules and regulations.
“I accepted my mistake,” said Irfan while addressing a press conference. He said that he was approached by bookies twice but did not inform the authorities.
He apologised for his actions and hoped that the nation will forgive him. However, he was adamant that he did not accept any under-hand payments. The decision will be reviewed after a period of six months after which the contract may be restored.
Irfan was one of five players suspended for alleged spot-fixing during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League. He was suspended on March 14 for violating the PCB’s code of conduct.
During the suspension hearing, he had said that he did not report the offer of spot-fixing because he was under mental stress following his parents’ death recently.
A statement by the PCB said that Chairman Shaharyar Khan and Chairman PSL Najam Sethi reiterated that “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.”
