Any player found guilty of fixing to be banned for life: PCB chairman

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan has vowed a zero-tolerance policy for any player found guilty of fixing matches.

“If any player is found guilty of match fixing, their career will be over,” Khan said while speaking to media at the Gaddafi Stadium earlier today.

The chairman said that the PCB had evidence against Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, which is why the two Islamabad United openers were suspended during the Pakistan Super League 2017.

“But we did not have proof against Mohammad Irfan and Shahzaib Hasan, so they were not suspended,” he elaborated.

Khan said that the board will accept whatever decision the tribunal makes regarding Sharjeel and Latif.

“Once the investigation is completed, we will take appropriate action against the players,” he remarked.

Blaming the poor standard of education in the country, Khan lamented that players would not give in to fixing if they had proper education and counselling.

“Players should be briefed properly before they are included in the team,” he stressed.

‘Fielding and fitness top priority’

Regarding the upcoming tour to West Indies, the PCB chairman emphasised that fielding and fitness are the number one priority of the team and management.

He pointed out that five players in the training camp do not fulfill the fitness criteria.

“Three senior and two junior players have doubtful fitness,” the chairman said.

Khan also announced that Talat Ali will be the new manager of the Pakistan team for the West Indies tour.

Talat Ali has replaced Wasim Bari as the team manager.