Regretful Irfan excited about comeback

Pacer eager to return after serving six-month ban for failing to disclose approaches made by bookmakers

LONDON: Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan reveals that he is happy for the chance to resume his career, and expects to avoid a backlash from the fans after serving a six-month ban for failing to disclose approaches made by bookmakers during a domestic T20 tournament.

The 35-year-old, who played for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), was fined and banned for a year — six months of which were suspended — as part of a probe by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The PCB was investigating whether an international betting syndicate tried to influence PSL matches and also handed out five-year bans to Islamabad United duo Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif as part of the spot-fixing scandal.

"I regret that I didn't report it and I have realised how serious it is if you don't report a corrupt approach," Irfan told ESPNCricinfo. "But I am still very much accepted and people still like me. I don't want to go into details about whether the punishment was harsh. There were reasons I didn't report instantly but I did reject them (the bookies) straightaway. I am just really happy that I am back after a minor ban and still have a chance to revive myself."

The giant Irfan, who has represented his national side in four Tests, 60 ODIs and 20 T20Is, said the death of his parents had clouded his judgement and led to his delay in reporting the approaches to the PCB.

"The last six months have been very tough on me. In fact, it felt like six years, during which I incurred great losses," said Irfan. "Indeed, it was my mistake, and I admitted it instantly, but there was no fixing allegations against me. But, in all this, I am thankful the situation wasn't any worse.”

The Gaggu Mandi-born pacer believes the ban helped him rest his body and that he was ready for the rigours of international cricket.

"I was actually working in my private gym at home to keep myself fit. I had been training privately as well, so I hope things will go well,” he said. “In the last six months, I have been resting with no workload and that has really helped me. I got time to take a break from cricket; otherwise, the early part of my career, I was playing a lot. Due to my height and body structure, I get tired early, and need more time for recovery."