Sharjeel Khan banned for five years in PSL spot-fixing case

Spot-fixing case rocked sophomore season of Pakistan Super League

Islamabad United opener Sharjeel Khan has been slapped with a five-year ban from cricket for his involvement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) spot-fixing case, the Pakistan Cricket Board-appointed Anti-Corruption Unit announced on Wednesday.

Sharjeel’s five-year-ban includes a suspended sentence of two-and-a-half years, but the left-handed batsman would still be on the wrong side of 30 before he can play cricket again even if he does fulfill all his obligations.

The Hyderabad-born has been found in violation of five articles. Article 2.1.1, 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 point towards him agreeing to fix the matches and acting upon that agreement against a payment during the Islambad United and Peshawar Zalmi match.



The other two — articles 2.4.4 and 2.4.5 — relate to him failing to disclose the details of that approach to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as all players are required to do.

Both parties seem to be unhappy with the decision, with a source close to the matter telling The Express Tribune that the PCB wanted a life ban for Sharjeel in order to set an example, whereas the player’s lawyer is also planning an appeal for obvious reasons.

“The PCB has the right to appeal if it deems the punishment is less compared to the crime committed. Just like the players, the PCB also has the right of appeal against the tribunal’s decision,” said PCB lawyer Taffazul Rizvi.

Both were also charged for not reporting the matter to the PCB's anti-corruption unit.

"Sharjeel is banned for five years, which has two-and-a-half years suspended," said Asghat Haider, who headed the three-member tribunal. "We investigated all the charges and found them correct."

The minimum punishment for the charges was five years with a maximum of a life ban.

Former PCB head Tauqir Zia and erstwhile Pakistan captain Wasim Bari were the other members of the tribunal formed in March.

Under the PCB code players can appeal rulings before an independent arbitrator within 14 days of the decision.

Four other players -- Mohammad Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan, Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Nawaz -- were also included in the investigation on multiple charges.

Irfan and Nawaz admitted not reporting the bookie's offer. Irfan was banned for one year with six months suspended and fined one million rupees ($9,500). Nawaz was banned for two months (one suspended) and fined 200,0000 rupees.

The tribunal is expected to rule on Khalid Latif's case next month.

Jamshed, who is being investigated by Britain's National Crime Agency, was said to be the "go between" linking the players and the bookie.

His case and Hasan's is still under investigation by the tribunal.