Sharjeel cops five-year ban for spot-fixing scandal

Pakistan

Pakistan batsman Sharjeel Khan has been banned for five years for his role in the spot-fixing scandal in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year.

The PCB’s tribunal found the 28-year-old Sharjeel guilty of five major breaches of the board’s anti-corruption code and gave him the minimum punishment on all charges.

However, two-and-a-half years of the five were suspended so the left-handed batter could return to the game in 2019.

Sharjeel’s ban will take effect from February this year, when he was first suspended, with his lawyer, Shaigan Ijaz, stating they will appeal the sentence.

Ijaz said immediately after the verdict: “We were expecting acquittal against the spot-fixing charges and we are going to appeal against them.

“I insist that we are not complaining against the behaviour of the tribunal members, but we are objecting to the decision. As we understand, those three serious charges have not been proven.

“For now, we have concerns and will lodge an appeal after having a full, detailed order in the next 14 days.”

PCB lawyer Tafazzul Rizvi said: “The suspended sentence isn’t defined as yet in the PCB anti-corruption code as there is a limited provision.

“Just because two-and-a-half years of the sentence are suspended doesn’t mean the player can automatically be eligible to play after completing half his sentence.

“There is a complete process of rehabilitation, and many more conditions to be met before reintegration.”

Sharjeel has played one Test, 25 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Pakistan with his last appearance for the national side coming in an ODI against Australia in January in Adelaide.

Pakistan Sharjeel Khan

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