Sarfraz records statement before ICC Anti-Corruption Unit

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has recorded his statement on being approached by suspected bookie before the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit, Geo News learnt on Saturday.

The Anti-Corruption Unit has also conducted a detailed interview of Sarfraz regarding the matter.

Earlier in the day, sources revealed that Sarfraz was approached by a bookie who made a spot-fixing offer to him during the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka in UAE.

The officer of the Anti-Corruption Unit probed Sarfraz and asked questions such as “how long have you known the suspected fixer,” “have you ever taken money from the fixer”, and “have you ever accepted any gift from the suspected fixer.”

Sarfraz, however, rejected the offer and immediately reported the approach to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), sources said. 

A day ago, it was reported that an “important” member of Pakistan squad had been approached by an international fixing syndicate, but the cricketer had foiled the spot-fixing bid and alerted the ACU officials.

Sources revealed later that the cricketer in question was skipper Sarfraz, who was shopping with his family at a mall in Dubai when he was approached by a bookie ahead of the second ODI against Sri Lanka.

The bookie came up to the captain, who first thought he was a fan requesting for a selfie. The man, however, made a spot-fixing bid to Sarfraz who turned it down on the spot and reported the approach to PCB’s security officials staying with the team.

Sarfraz also reported the approach to Director Security Colonel Azam in Lahore.

Following the incident, the PCB forwarded the investigation into the spot-fixing approach to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit.

PCB chairman Najam Sethi confirmed the approach, without naming the player.

"A player was approached. As per rules he immediately reported to PCB who informed ICC. Matters are jointly in hand. No further comment," he tweeted.