Jump to content

2017 Pakistan Super League spot-fixing scandal: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
red link
Update
Line 41: Line 41:
===June===
===June===
On 3 June, Sharjeel's lawyer announced that Sharjeel will not appear before the tribunal as a witness. In response, Rizvi said that Sharjeel decided to do so as he did not want to defend himself.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSL spot-fixing: Sharjeel Khan not to appear before tribunal|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2017/jun/03/psl-spot-fixing-sharjeel-khan-not-to-appear-before-tribunal-1612489.html|accessdate=4 June 2017|work=The New Indian Express|date=3 June 2017}}</ref>
On 3 June, Sharjeel's lawyer announced that Sharjeel will not appear before the tribunal as a witness. In response, Rizvi said that Sharjeel decided to do so as he did not want to defend himself.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSL spot-fixing: Sharjeel Khan not to appear before tribunal|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2017/jun/03/psl-spot-fixing-sharjeel-khan-not-to-appear-before-tribunal-1612489.html|accessdate=4 June 2017|work=The New Indian Express|date=3 June 2017}}</ref>

===August===
On 30 August 2017, Sharjeel Khan was banned for 5 years from all forms of cricket after being found guilty on five counts in violation of the PCB's anti-corruption code. He was been given the minimum punishment on all charges. Two-and-a-half years out of the five-year sentence are [[Suspended sentence|suspended]]. Khan's ban took effect from when he was first suspended, on 10 February 2017. Khan was also present at his sentencing but he did not take any media questions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sharjeel Khan: Pakistan batsman banned for five years after spot-fixing inquiry|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/41092749|accessdate=30 August 2017|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=30 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Farooq|first1=Umar|title=Sharjeel Khan banned for five years by PCB|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20504174/sharjeel-khan-banned-five-years-pcb|accessdate=30 August 2017|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|date=30 August 2017}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 18:17, 30 August 2017

The 2017 Pakistan Super League spot-fixing scandal arose in February 2017 when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suspended cricketers under its anti-corruption code in an ongoing investigation backed by International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit on spot-fixing during the 2017 Pakistan Super League (PSL).[1] The six cricketers suspended by the PCB are: Sharjeel Khan (on 10 February), Khalid Latif (on 10 February), Nasir Jamshed (on 13 February), Mohammad Irfan (on 14 March), Shahzaib Hasan (on 17 March) and Mohammad Nawaz (16 May).

Timeline

February

On 10 February, it was reported that Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were questioned and provisionally suspended by the PCB's Anti-Corruption Unit after the conclusion of the opening match of the 2017 Pakistan Super League which was being held in the UAE.[1] Islamabad United player Mohammad Irfan was also questioned by the Anti-Corruption Unit along with his teammates Sharjeel and Latif, with the PCB announcing that, unlike the other two, Irfan would not "face any immediate suspension." On 11 February, Zulfiqar Babar and Shahzaib Hasan were also questioned by the Anti-Corruption Unit, but were allowed to take further part in the tournament.[2]

PSL chairman Najam Sethi said that they had evidence against Sharjeel and Latif, but waited till the end of the match to see whether the two would fulfill their commitments to the bookmakers. He added, "We knew what commitments they had made. Islamabad United played Sharjeel but not Khalid. But when the match was held it was confirmed Sharjeel had done what he had committed to do to the bookmakers." He also stated that they feared making the announcement before the start of tournament as it "could affect the PSL and its reputation."[3]

On 13 February, Nasir Jamshed was provisionally suspended by the PCB for violating its anti-corruption code.[4] Jamshed and another man were arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) later the same day in the UK in connection with the investigation. However, both men were released on bail till April 2017 pending further inquiry. The NCA released a statement that it was "working closely with the Pakistan Cricket Board and International Cricket Council's anti-corruption units."[5]

On 18 February, following three days of interviews with the PCB's Vigilance and Security department, Sharjeel and Latif were charged for alleged breaches of its anti-corruption code in Lahore. Among the breaches of the code were "attempt to corrupt a game" and "failing to disclose suspect approaches." It was reported that Sharjeel had allegedly breached five articles of the code, while Latif had allegedly breached six. PCB's legal advisor Taffazul Rizvi stated that the two players were "handed notices and advised to seek legal counsel" and that they had 14 days to respond.[6]

March

On 4 March, Sharjeel and Latif responded to the charges laid against them, with both accepting at least one of the minor charges but denying major allegations. In the aftermath of this, the PCB formed a three-man tribunal of retired Justice Asghar Haider, former PCB chairman Tauqir Zia, and former cricketer Wasim Bari to hear the cases of the two players.[7] On 17 March, Sharjeel appeared before the tribunal to hear the charges, whereas Latif forced the postponement of his hearing citing health issues. Sharjeel was given up to 5 May to respond to the accusations, with the formal hearing scheduled for 15 May. Latif was set a deadline of 31 March to appear before the tribunal.[8]

On 10 March, the PCB summoned Irfan and Shahzaib for questioning by the anti-corruption unit on 13 and 14 March respectively.[9] On 14 March, the PCB provisionally suspended Irfan from all forms of the game with immediate effect for alleged breaches of two articles of the code during the PSL.[10] On 17 March, Shahzaib was also provisionally suspended from all forms of the game with immediate effect as part of its ongoing investigation. He was given 14 days to respond in the matter.[11] On 29 March, Irfan was banned for one year from all forms of the game after he pleaded guilty to have not reported two approaches of fixing. The ban would be effective from his date of his suspension (14 March) and can be reduced to six months if he assists the PCB in its investigation.[12]

On 31 March, Latif's lawyer announced that they would contest the charges "because no one can be convicted on presumptions."[13] The appeal was rejected by a court in Lahore on 14 April after the PCB released evidence to the tribunal as well as to Latif and Sharjeel. According to a PCB official, the evidence included "witness statements, recorded interviews, match footage, and copies of certain WhatsApp voice messages." Latif was also set a 5 May deadline to respond to the charges, while the formal hearing would commence from 19 May.[14] Sharjeel's lawyer claimed that the evidence presented was "insufficient" and that Sharjeel was innocent.[15]

April

On 11 April, Jamshed was officially charged for breaching two articles of the anti-corruption code which include "failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate" and "obstructing or delaying any investigation" of the PCB.[16] Days later, Jamshed released a statement that he would be cooperating with the PCB in its investigation after the NCA inquiry concludes.[17]

On 17 April, the PCB summoned Latif and Shahzaib to appear for interviews before its Security and Vigilance Department on 26 and 27 April respectively.[18] On 21 April, Shahzaib was charged with breach of three articles of the anti-corruption code by PCB's three man tribunal. He was given a deadline of 18 May to respond to the charges, with a formal hearing scheduled for 1 June.[19] However, Shahzaib expressed satisfaction over the investigation and decided not to go to court.[20]

Latif did not appear for his interview on 26 April, expressing concerns about fairness of the investigation and accusing the ACU of being biased against him, while his lawyer raised opposition over the formation of the three-man tribunal. The PCB, in reply, "vehemently rejected the frivolous, baseless and false allegations", saying Latif's actions "appear to be solely aimed at frustrating and obstructing the ongoing investigations," and set a date of 2 May for him to appear for the interview.[21]

May

An appeal by Latif challenging the powers of PCB's tribunal was rejected by the Lahore High Court on 4 May.[22] During Sharjeel and Latif's tribunal hearing, Rizvi stated that the PCB has enough evidence against them and that the two players were "trying to use legal terms to save themselves and misguiding the tribunal."[23]

On 8 May, the PCB summoned Mohammad Nawaz for questioning in relation to the spot-fixing investigation. On 17 May, he was suspended for two months and fined 200,000 Pakistani rupees for failing to report suspect approach.[24] Later that day, Jamshed claimed that the PCB was "maligning" his name and threatened to take legal action against the board.[25]

The PCB, on 17 May, presented Islamabad United cricketer Umar Amin, PCB legal advisor Salman Naseer and Islamabad United’s security official Col Khalid as witnesses against Sharjeel, who was accused of deliberately playing two dot balls in exchange for money from bookmakers.[26] According to a report in Nawa-i-Waqt, Sharjeel later confessed that he had contacts with bookies with whom he finalized the deal but said he did not act according to the deal in the match.[27]

Ronnie Flanagan, Chairman of ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), testified against Sharjeel. Flanagan stated that they "received intelligence that was passed to us by the British National Crime Agency" which was shared with PCB.[28] On 18 May, Sharjeel's lawyer stated that Islamabad United coach Dean Jones, Mohammad Yousuf and Sadiq Mohammad will be presented as expert witnesses on 24 May and accused the PCB of making up a story. All three witnesses defended Sharjeel by saying the two dot balls were played on merit of each ball and not on purpose.[29]

Khalid Latif had built his case on the basis that the [bat] grips weren't rolled on his bats by him but another other team-mate who mistakenly done it while he [Latif] was in bathroom. But we called upon this particular player who completely denied any such move and said he did not roll any such grip on Khalid's bat.

— Taffazul Rizvi

On 19 May, the PCB announced that it had seized bat grips given to Latif by bookmakers. The bat grips were used by Latif in the match allegedly as a signal to the bookmakers of accepting their offer.[30] Latif boycotted the tribunal the following day, with his lawyer stating it was done as the tribunal refused to provide him a copy of their ACU interview held in February.[31] The tribunal continued hearing the case in the subsequent days in the absence of Latif and his lawyer. However, on 29 May, Latif requested the tribunal that they be allowed to put forth their defence from 14 June, after his lawyer finishes his Umrah, and this was agreed to by the tribunal the following day.[32]

The hearing of Jamshed's case was deferred till 9 June when the PCB is scheduled to submit its reply against Jamshed.[33]

June

On 3 June, Sharjeel's lawyer announced that Sharjeel will not appear before the tribunal as a witness. In response, Rizvi said that Sharjeel decided to do so as he did not want to defend himself.[34]

August

On 30 August 2017, Sharjeel Khan was banned for 5 years from all forms of cricket after being found guilty on five counts in violation of the PCB's anti-corruption code. He was been given the minimum punishment on all charges. Two-and-a-half years out of the five-year sentence are suspended. Khan's ban took effect from when he was first suspended, on 10 February 2017. Khan was also present at his sentencing but he did not take any media questions.[35][36]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Farooq, Umar (10 February 2017). "Sharjeel, Latif provisionally suspended by PCB". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  2. ^ Farooq, Umar (11 February 2017). "Mohammad Irfan, Zulfiqar Babar and Shahzaib Hasan questioned by PCB's ACU". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  3. ^ "PSL Spot-Fixing: Sharjeel, Latif Were Sent Home After Being Caught Red-Handed". News18. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  4. ^ "Jamshed provisionally suspended by PCB". ESPNcricinfo. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  5. ^ "Jamshed arrested in alleged PSL corruption case". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  6. ^ Farooq, Umar (18 February 2017). "Sharjeel, Latif charged for alleged corruption". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  7. ^ Farooq, Umar (6 March 2017). "PCB forms tribunal in alleged PSL corruption case". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  8. ^ Farooq, Umar (24 March 2017). "Sharjeel appears before PCB tribunal, Latif's hearing postponed". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  9. ^ Farooq, Umar (10 March 2017). "Irfan, Shahzaib called up in PSL investigation". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  10. ^ "Mohammad Irfan suspended by Pakistan Cricket Board for link with Dubai bookie". Hindustan Times. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  11. ^ Farooq, Umar (17 March 2017). "Shahzaib Hasan provisionally suspended from cricket". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  12. ^ Farooq, Umar (29 March 2017). "Irfan banned for one year for failing to report approach". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Pakistan Super League: Khalid Latif to contest fixing charges". Deccan Chronicle. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  14. ^ "Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif handed spot-fixing evidence by PCB". Hindustan Times. 15 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  15. ^ Farooq, Umar (14 April 2017). "Evidence against Sharjeel insufficient - lawyer". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  16. ^ Farooq, Umar (11 April 2017). "Jamshed charged by PCB". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  17. ^ Farooq, Umar (14 April 2017). "Jamshed ready to cooperate with PCB after NCA inquiry ends". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  18. ^ Farooq, Umar (17 April 2017). "Latif, Shahzaib could face further charges". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  19. ^ Ghaffar, Abdul (21 April 2017). "Cricketer Shahzaib Hasan charged with breach of PCB's Anti-Corruption Code by tribunal". DAWN. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  20. ^ "PSL spot-fixing case: Shahzaib Hasan expresses satisfaction over PCB's probe". Dunya News. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  21. ^ "Co-operate in investigation or face action, PCB tells Khalid Latif". The Indian Express. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  22. ^ "LHC rejects Khalid Latif's appeal against PCB tribunal powers". Geo News. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  23. ^ "Enough evidence against Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif on spot-fixing: PCB". The New Indian Express. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  24. ^ "Mohammad Nawaz given two-month suspension". ESPNcricinfo. 17 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  25. ^ Farooq, Umar (17 May 2017). "Nasir Jamshed threatens PCB with legal action". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  26. ^ "PSL spot-fixing case Tafazzal claims Sharjeel took money". The News International. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  27. ^ "'Had agreed spot-fixing deal with bookies,' confesses Sharjeel Khan". The Nation. 17 May 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  28. ^ "British tip-off led to PSL scandal – ICC". Saudi Gazette. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  29. ^ "Mohammad Yousuf defends Sharjeel Khan's dot balls in PSL spot-fixing scandal". Hindustan Times. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  30. ^ "'Latif had bat grips given by bookie'". The News International. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  31. ^ "Khalid Latif Boycotts Pakistan Spot-fixing Hearing". News18. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  32. ^ "Khalid Latif's request accepted". The News International. 31 May 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  33. ^ "Nasir Jamshed's hearing deferred till June 9". DAWN. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  34. ^ "PSL spot-fixing: Sharjeel Khan not to appear before tribunal". The New Indian Express. 3 June 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  35. ^ "Sharjeel Khan: Pakistan batsman banned for five years after spot-fixing inquiry". BBC Sport. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  36. ^ Farooq, Umar (30 August 2017). "Sharjeel Khan banned for five years by PCB". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2017_Pakistan_Super_League_spot-fixing_scandal&oldid=798052396"