ECB slaps life ban on Naveed Arif

Former Sussex, Sialkot player admits to fixing county match

KARACHI: The English Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a life ban on Naveed Arif a former Sialkot Stallions cricketer after he admitted to match-fixing in a county match.

The 32-year-old will not be able to play, coach or participate in any form of cricket recognised by the ECB or any other cricket board.

"Mr Arif pleaded guilty to six breaches of the Anti-Corruption Code, all of which related to corrupt activity in connection with the CB40 fixture between Sussex and Kent at Hove in August 2011," the ECB said.

"His admissions were made in tape-recorded interviews with the ECB's anti-corruption unit and via signed statements. In accordance with the provisions of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code, Mr Arif has accepted an agreed sanction of a life ban from all forms of cricket.”

The statement added that Arif is not even allowed to coach at any level.

"The terms of the ban will prevent him from playing, coaching or participating in any form of cricket which is recognised or sanctioned by ECB, the ICC or any other National Cricket Federation."

Arif featured in the Pakistan domestic circuit for many years before qualifying to play for Sussex in 2011.  The left-arm pace bowler represented the Sialkot Stallions, and Gujranwala in first-class, List A and Twenty20 cricket in Pakistan.

Meanwhile the PCB reiterated that the body has nothing to do with Arif. “He was not a part of our domestic scene for four years and opted to play county cricket himself,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune.

Arif’s solicitor, Imran Khan has said in a press release that Arif regrets his conduct which has let himself, his teammates, Sussex County Cricket Club and the cricket fraternity down.

“He is deeply ashamed of his actions and, consequently, bringing the game of cricket into disrepute. These actions were unacceptable and Mr Arif has no excuses,” he said.

The release further stated that being banned from cricket, the game he loves, is the most severe punishment Arif could receive. “Mr Arif is currently considering his future, having learnt some painful lessons from his past.”