Women cricketers banned for false claims

PCB directs Multan District Cricket Association to ensure discipline.

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned five female players for false allegations of sexual harassment against the management of the Multan Cricket Club (MCC).

“The inquiry committee set up to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment by five women cricketers against the management of Multan Cricket Club has recommended that all five cricketers should be banned from playing any form of cricket for six months with effect from October 23, 2013,” read an official PCB press release.



“The Multan District Cricket Association (MDCA) too has been censured and asked to keep a close watch on the Multan Cricket Club and ensure that the clubs registered with them follow the regulations and disciplinary procedures of the PCB. Even after they have served the ban, all five girls will be kept under probation for a period of one year after which the evaluation of their conduct will be made.”

According to the board which takes care of the women’s wing as well, the issue was thoroughly investigated by a two-member inquiry committee. Only three women of the five – Seema Javed, Hina Ghafoor, Kiran Irshad – appeared in front of the committee, while Saba Ghafoor and Haleema Rafiq were absent despite being given an opportunity to present their case.

All three categorically denied having been sexually harassed or having seen such harassment taking place. The focus of their complaint was the penalties or bans imposed on them for various offences.

The PCB has also issued a letter of censure to the MDCA to monitor the Multan Cricket Club’s activities closely and report to GM Domestic Operations PCB quarterly.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2013.

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