PCB bans umpires over corruption scandal

Ghauri, Anis sanctioned for four, three years respectively.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned umpires Nadeem Ghauri and Anis Siddiqui for four and three years respectively over their involvement in a scandal that rocked sports fans last year.

Ghauri and Siddiqui were caught in a sting operation conducted by India TV where hidden cameras revealed the two umpires were willing to accept financial remuneration in exchange for favourable decisions during matches.

Following news of the scandal, the PCB formed an inquiry committee to probe the issue. The committee, which included Director Game Development Intikhab Alam and Director Vigilance and Security Ehsan Sadiq, obtained the unedited footage recorded in the sting operation along with all evidence available with the International Cricket Council (ICC). It also asked Ghauri and Siddiqui to submit written statements on their version of the events, before cross-examining the two.

After reviewing all evidence, the inquiry committee recommended that the matter be referred to the PCB integrity committee for necessary action and that both Ghauri and Siddiqui not be considered for any umpiring assignment or participation in any form of cricket until the case remained pending.

The integrity committee, led by PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, met in this regard on Saturday. After reviewing the inquiry committee’s report on the scandal and hearing both umpires, the integrity committee announced its verdict and banned Ghauri and Siddiqui from participating in any form in cricket for four and three years respectively.

The verdict read, “Nadeem Ghauri, being a former Test cricketer and part of the elite panel of ICC umpires and PCB’s International panel with 13 years standing, straight away agreed to extend undue favours for material gains … therefore, he cannot be cleared for consideration of appointment as an umpire/match official or in any other capacity in any form of cricket held/organised/supervised/conducted/controlled under the aegis of the PCB for a period of four years from the date of the institution of inquiry ie October 11, 2012.

“Anis Siddiqui, being only a domestic umpire with lesser experience of only eight years, did not fall prey to the undue suggestions made by India TV sting operatives straight away and kept on resisting their undue demands repeatedly, but finally conceded to them on their persistence. Keeping in view his limited exposure to International Cricket and Codes of Conduct, his case is of mitigating circumstances and therefore he cannot be cleared for consideration of appointment as an umpire/match official or in any other capacity in any form of cricket held/organised/supervised/conducted/controlled under the aegis of the PCB for a period of three years from the date of institution of Inquiry,” the verdict stated further.

Talking to reporters following the committee meeting, PCB chairman Ashraf said, “The PCB has a zero tolerance policy for corruption or indiscipline.

“We are committed to creating awareness amongst our players and officials with regards to the possible pitfalls, and are determined to adopt all vigilance and security parameters, which are in line with the laid out procedures of the ICC. Today’s decision reiterates this commitment of the PCB.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2013.