PSL investigation: Mohammad Irfan charged, suspended by PCB

KARACHI: Fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been formally charged and provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board for violating the PCB's anti-corruption code.

Furthering its investigation into alleged corrupt practices during the Pakistan Super League second edition, the PCB issued a Notice of Charge to Mohammad Irfan under the PCB’s anti-corruption code.

“Irfan has been charged with two violations of Code Article 2.4.4 and now has 14 days to respond to the Notice of Charge,” said a PCB spokesman.

Yesterday, Mohammad Irfan appeared before the ACU where he admitted in his video statement that he had been contacted by bookies during the tournament.

The pacer said he had not informed the PCB about the approach as he had been under mental duress due to the recent death of his parents.

The PCB's anti-corruption code 2.4.4 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.”

Irfan has meanwhile been provisionally suspended with immediate effect from participating in all forms of cricket.

Mohammad Irfan was initially questioned by the PCB during PSL following suspension of two players Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan for alleged links with an international syndicate looking to corrupt the tournament.

However, he was not charged at that time and was allowed to continue playing for Islamabad United in PSL.

Taffazul Rizvi, PCB's legal advisor, told Geo.TV that Mohammad Irfan was initially allowed to continue playing in the PSL because at that time the ACU was still collecting material against the bowler.

"Under the Anti Corruption Code under Article 4.7.1 when the integrity of the sport is seriously undermined the player can be provisionally suspended by PCB. In Dubai the Security & Vigilance Department PCB was still collecting material against Mohammad Irfan, therefore he was allowed to continue," Rizvi told Geo.TV.

"Since now he has been issued a Notice of Charge under Article 2.4.4 and he has a case to answer therefore he has been suspended," the official added.