Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif suspended from PSL over anti-corruption investigation

DUBAI: Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday suspended Islamabad United players Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan suspended “as a part of an investigation into a syndicate which is believed to be attempting to corrupt the PSL”, ARY News reported.

“Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif have been suspended and the rigorous and wide-ranging investigation by the PCB supported by ICC will continue as part of collective efforts to protect the integrity of the sport,” says a statement issued by the board.

PSL Chairman Najam Sethi maintained that it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the case but an investigation is underway against the players.

“We will not tolerate any corrupt activity and as this investigation proceeds we will not hesitate to take further decisive action as appropriate,” said Sethi.

PSL has zero tolerance for practices that corrupt or damage the game. No one big or small is exempt. We shall protect this asset of Pak.

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) February 10, 2017

“The investigation of the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit backed by the ICC ACU has been effective in dealing with this case to date and we will continue to work in the closest collaboration as the investigation proceeds. We are all absolutely committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who would seek to damage the integrity of our sport,” read the statement issued by PCB.

Update on today’s news: pic.twitter.com/DVjmF4xrW1

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 10, 2017

While commenting on the matter. PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said, “I must remind all players of their responsibilities in the fight against corruption. 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.”

“Under no circumstances will the PCB condone actions of a few individuals to bring disrepute to the game of cricket or taint the image of Pakistan,” he said.

Both the players have been sent back to Pakistan after the suspension.