Sangakkara’s take on PSL corruption scandal

Karachi Kings captain says PCB must be given a pat on the back for taking such prompt action

ISLAMABAD: Karachi Kings captain Kumar Sangakkara has called for the need of transparency in cricket, saying there should be no room for corruption in sport.

Sangakara, a Sri Lankan batting legend, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) must be given a pat on the back for their efforts to keep the country's cricket clean, Khaleej Times reported.

“Players must feel a responsibility to respect the game,” said Sangakkara. “The vigilance of PCB and its ACU prevented corruption [in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)] by suspending two players of Islamabad United [Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif].”

The 39-year-old also termed the incident as being unfortunate. "The authorities in place are doing a great job. It is unfortunate that such a thing happened," he said.

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan on Monday said two players named in the corruption scandal – Shahzaib Hasan and Zulfiqar Babar – have been cleared. Meanwhile, show-cause notices were sent to the Islamabad duo after they were provisionally suspended and called back to Pakistan.

Shaharyar added that investigation is still going on in regards to left-arm pacer Mohammad Irfan who, meanwhile, is allowed to represent Islamabad United.

Later on Monday, PSL chairman Najam Sethi tweeted that opening batsman Nasir Jamshed has also been provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket for violating PCB’s anti-corruption code.

No details were given about the left-handed batsman’s case who was not picked by any of the five franchises in the draft for the second edition.