PSL spot-fixing: Mohammad Irfan, Khalid Latif appear before FIA

LAHORE: Mohammad Irfan and Khalid Latif, who are among the five cricketers suspended over alleged corruption during Pakistan Super League 2017, appeared before the Federal Investigation Agency on Monday.

The two players will be questioned by the FIA investigative officials over suspected contacts with bookies during the second edition of PSL.

According to sources privy to the development, the FIA summoned Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Irfan today while Khalid Latif, Sharjeel Khan and Shahzaib Hasan are scheduled to appear on Tuesday.

Latif, instead of Tuesday, appeared before the FIA today. Former batsman Nasir Jamshed, who resides in the UK, could not be present. If any of the suspended players fail to appear before the FIA, the agency is likely to announce its next plan of action for the continuing investigation, the sources informed.

The FIA on Sunday wrote a letter to Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar calling for the names of the five suspended players to be put on the Exit Control List, sources from inside the agency informed.

Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Irfan and Shahzaib Hasan have been provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket for violating the Pakistan Cricket Board's anti-corruption code. Sharjeel and Latif, who were suspended during the opening week of the PSL for suspected links with an international fixing syndicate, face a minimum five years’ ban.

Batsman Shahzaib, who was charged and suspended last week, also faces a minimum five years' ban. Fast bowler Mohammad Irfan faces a minimum six months' ban.

Nasir Jamshed, who resides in the UK, was suspended during PSL after the PCB said it had 'concrete evidence' against the former opener. He was arrested along with another suspect by Britain's National Crime Agency last month as part of investigations but later released on bail, according to reports.