Mohammad Irfan suspended by PCB for a year
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Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been slapped with a one-year suspension and a fine of PKR 1 million by the PCB after he pleaded guilty to charges of failing to report details of two fixing approaches. His ban is effective from the day he was provisionally suspended i.e- March 14, 2017.
Irfanâs name first came under the scanner during the opening week of the PSL along with Shahzaib Hasan and Zulfiqar Babar, but he was subsequently allowed to play in the league. He was, however, later placed under provisional suspension on March 14 for breaching PCB's Code Article 2.4.4, which read, âIrfan was found to be in breach of failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code."
Earlier on March 27, the lanky pacer pleaded guilty to the charges by submitting a written statement after he had two meetings with the board. He also strongly denied any direct involvement in any fixing activity.
He said, "I was approached twice and it was my mistake that I did not report it to PCB's anti-corruption unit. I admit my mistake for not reporting it to the ACU but I didn't get involved in any corrupt activity and gave a shut-up call to those who approached me,â reported ESPN Cricinfo.
He apologized to the nation and all cricket fans for his mistake and hoped that the country will forgive him.Â
"I ask the whole nation to forgive me if anyone is hurt by this mistake of mine. I hope you will forgive me."
Irfan can get his suspension reduced to six months on the following conditions:
1. There is no further/additional breach of the PCB Code by Irfan within one year of the commencement of the period of Ineligibility; and no previous breach of the Code by Irfan comes to light. If any such breach(es) take place the PCB shall reserve the right to initiate separate and independent proceedings against Irfan under the Code.
2. He will provide Substantial Assistance (as described under the Code) to the PCB Vigilance and Security; and
3. He will, over the next six months, participate under the auspices of PCB in programs of Anti- Corruption education, which may include amongst other things, delivering lectures on Anti-Corruption at such places and to such audiences as the PCB Vigilance and Security Department deems fit and appearing in any Anti-Corruption videos.
