KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has contacted its Bangladeshi counterparts following the arrest of a Pakistani citizen over suspicion of spot-fixing during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Sajid Khan, a Karachi resident, was questioned by Mirpur police after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials noticed ‘his suspicious movements’ during the tournament. The PCB, which has issued NOCs to several Pakistani players for the event, was alarmed at the development.
“We’ve sought details from the BCB,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune. “Many Pakistanis are featuring in the event and we’re concerned for them. We’ll follow the matter closely until its conclusion.”
Meanwhile, one player has been called into a hearing by the BPL on Monday in the aftermath of Khan’s arrest, according to ESPNcricinfo. It is understood that the security officers found the bank account number of a Chittagong Kings’ player and the e-mail address of another who is playing for the Dhaka Gladiators in Khan’s mobile inbox.
The ongoing tournament had earlier come under suspicion when former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza claimed that he was approached by a former cricketer to help in spot-fixing.
Sami destroys Dhaka
Meanwhile, Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Sami produced a brilliant show with remarkable figures of five for six to help Duronto Rajshahi register a three-wicket win over the Dhaka Gladiators.
Darren Stevens (28) and Nazimuddin (26) had shared a 52-run third wicket partnership before Sami ripped through the line-up as Dhaka were dismissed for 116.
In reply Rajshahi were reduced to 80 for six before Mushfiqur Rahim (40) produced a captain’s knock to guide his team home. Despite the defeat, Dhaka qualified for the semi-finals of the event, while Rajshahi have already made it to the last-four.
Elsewhere, Khulna Royals Bengal and the Barisal Burners completed the semi-final line-up after the former whipped the Sylhet Royals by 69 runs.
Dwayne Smith starred with a 73-ball 103 to fire the Bengals to 186 for two, hitting six maximums in his match-winning knock. Scott Styris was the lone wicket-taker for Sylhet as their bowlers wilted under the assault launched by Smith and Herschelle Gibbs (41).
In reply Sylhet were bowled out for 117 with Abdur Razzak taking two for eight. Sohail Tanvir top-scored with 26.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2012.
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@ chilli like misbah ...
Sami all set to make a strong comeback.. I hope our PCB will select team on merit without considering "Parchees" like Malik and Farhat.