We have to protect PSL from crooks who want to taint it: Sethi

League chairman says management will not tolerate corruption

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chairman Najam Sethi on Friday slammed those who get involved in corrupt practices of fixing and said that the anti-corruption unit are doing all they can to protect the players and the league from the ‘crooks’ who are looking to taint the league.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a statement on Friday, revealed that Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif have been suspended due to their alleged involvement in fixing during the ongoing T20 league.

And Sethi revealed that the PSL governing committee would not take such issues lightly. “The PSL belongs to the people of Pakistan. We have to protect it from corrupt practices that ruin the game. We knew beforehand that some of these corrupt people would try to approach us. And we informed each and every player about these things. If even after that some players thought they could get involved then we want to send a message.”

He further added, “This is the best way to go. The players involved have been suspended and will be given a chance to explain themselves. But we will not tolerate any corrupt practices.”

The PSL chairman also said that the anti-corruption unit knew beforehand that this year’s league would attract such ‘crooks’ due to the success of the first edition. “We had some credible information that things were not right. Last year this was a toddler’s league and not many bookies were interested in it. But this time around the PSL is bigger so these bookies are interested. They are covering their tracks and making a run for it as we speak.”

Sethi also revealed that they have the backing of all five franchises. “All the franchises showed their support for our actions. This is the first time the PCB is taking such a strong stance against corruption. We have to protect this league. We have to make sure these crooks do not taint the PSL.”

The league chairman added that the management will not be resting on its laurels. “Players will always be vulnerable when there is big money involved; greed is instinctive,” he said. “Despite us paying a lot of money to the players, we know that some would be vulnerable. We have no qualms in revealing their identity; Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif are the ones involved in this.”