Irfan apologises to nation for mistakes

LAHORE: Fast bowler Muhammad Irfan, after being handed over a one-year ban from Pakistan Cricket Board, has apologised to the nation for his mistakes during the Pakistan Super League 2017.

"I accept my mistake," he told a press conference at the PCB's headquarters in Lahore. "I was asked to carry out fixes but I did not commit any such crime. My mistake was not reporting these offers.

"I confess and say sorry to the fans," he added.

The PCB guidelines prohibit the cricketer from violating any other guidelines of the Anti-Corruption Unit. “If any such breach(es) take place the PCB shall reserve the right to initiate separate and independent proceedings against Irfan under the Code [Anti-Corruption Code for Participants 2015],” according to the PCB press statement.

The player’s central contract with PCB will remain suspended and no new contract will be offered to him, said PCB spokesperson. He is further instructed to pay a sum of Rs1 million to the board.

Irfan had been charged with two violations of the PCB’s anti-corruption code for failing to disclose to the board the approaches made by the bookies during Pakistan Super League 2017.

Anti-Corruption Code for Participants 2015 Article 2.4.4, under which the pacer has been charged, states: "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.”

Mohammad Azam, head of the PCB´s anti-corruption unit, said the player´s admission meant he was not required to appear before a tribunal which is set to hear the cases of four other players linked to the scandal.

Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed have all been ensnared in the saga which took place around the Pakistan Super League held earlier this month.

Azam added that Irfan could be eligible to return from his suspension six months early if he took part in lectures on the importance of anti-corruption laws.

Irfan made headlines for his extraordinary height -- seven feet and one inch or 216 centimetres -- when he made his international debut in 2010 and stands as the tallest-ever player to feature in world cricket.

He has so far played four Tests and 20 Twenty20 internationals, but has achieved most success in his 60 one-day internationals, where he has taken 83 wickets at an average of 30.71.
Source : www.geo.tv/