LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board banned batsman Khalid Latif on Wednesday for a period of five years for his involvement in spot-fixing during the second season of Pakistan Super League.
Latif, who faced trial for his role during the PSL 2017, alongside Sharjeel Khan has also been slapped with a fine worth Rs 1 million.
https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/910417217946312705
The 31-year-old, who represented Pakistan and PSL franchise Islamabad United, faced six charges including that of persuading a few other cricketers including teammates Mohammad Irfan and Sharjeel Khan to get involved in spot-fixing, which dented the credibility of the second edition of the PSL held in Dubai this year.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/sports/sharjeel-khan-handed-five-year-ban-for-spot-fixing/
The punishment follows a ban on his fellow Sharjeel Khan who was handed the same five-year ban, however, no fine was imposed on the left-hander.
Talking to newsmen the cricketing board’s legal advisor, Mr Taffazul Rizvi expressed that Latif could challenge the punishment.
“We can’t say right now if the verdict is lenient or not as we’ve not received the full verdict,” said Rizvi.
“Once we will, only then we can decide how to move ahead.” he added.
PSL Spot-Fixing
The cricket fans in Pakistan were taken aback when in February, this year during the first week of Pakistan Super League, PCB sent back two cricketers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif home besides suspending them.
The reason for the mysterious return was found to be the duo’s alleged involvement in spot-fixing and links with bookmakers.
“Sharjeel and Latif have been suspended and the rigorous and wide-ranging investigation by the PCB supported by the International Cricket Council will continue as part of collective efforts to protect the integrity of the sport,” the PCP said in a statement.
After the scandal that rocked the PSL and dented the credibility of the whole tournament, PCB constituted a three-member tribunal in March comprising Justice (Retd) Asghar Haidar, Lieutenant General (Retd) Tauqir Zia and former Test cricketer Wasim Bari.
The tribunal after multiple hearings concluded its inquiry and imposed a five-year ban on Sharjeel Khan.
Besides the duo, PCB widened the scope of investigations and also imposed few restrictions on left-arm pacer Muhammad Irfan after thorough investigations regarding alleged spot-fixing.
https://twitter.com/najamsethi/status/830327588719468546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.dailypakistan.com.pk%2Fsports%2Fsharjeel-khan-handed-five-year-ban-for-spot-fixing%2F
Irfan along with four other cricketers including Shahzeb Hassan and Zulfiqar Babar of Quetta Gladiators were also grilled by PCB, however, they were cleared of any allegations and were allowed to continue playing remaining matches of PSL.
