Sarfraz Ahmed confirms approach by bookie in UAE

KARACHI: Pakistan’s captain Sarfraz Ahmed has officially confirmed that he had reported a corrupt approach to the PCB, the first time since the story broke.

Sarfraz, while speaking ahead of the T20I series against Sri Lanka, stated that he did what he was supposed to do and things are now normal for him.

“It happened and I did what I was supposed to do,” Sarfraz told journalists in Abu Dhabi confirming that he reported the corrupt approach.

“I wasn’t worried much initially but the way it was all reported in the media made me a bit worried. Anyway, everything is normal now and I am focused on my game,” he added.

Geo’s Abdul Majid Bhatti had last week reported that Sarfraz Ahmed was approached for a corrupt activity and the player had reported the matter to PCB.

Sarfraz records statement

Sarfraz had recorded his statement on being approached by suspected bookie before the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

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

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.”

PCB hands over spot-fixing investigation to ICC

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

According to reports, the ICC will interview players including Sarfraz and team management.

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.