The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tuesday announced banning spinner Asif Afridi from playing all cricket formats for two years over corruption charges.
Afridi, 36, pleaded guilty as charged for two different violations under the board's Anti-Corruption Code for Participants.
“For the breach of Article 2.4.10, Afridi was handed a two-year period of ineligibility, while he was given a six-month ban for the violation of Article 2.4.4. Both the periods of ineligibility will run concurrently and will commence from the day of his provisional suspension, which commenced on September 12, 2022,” according to a notification issued by the PCB.
“While reaching its determination on the sanction period, the PCB took into consideration the admission of guilt, expression of remorse, past track record and Asif Afridi’s request that the PCB considers his case compassionately, claiming he had unintentionally breached the Code,” it added.
Speaking about the development, PCB Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi said the board had a “zero-tolerance approach towards such offences”.
“It gives the PCB no joy to suspend an international cricketer for two years. As the game’s governing body, we need to make examples, handle such matters robustly and send out strong messages to all cricketers,” Sethi added.
“It is bitter fact that corruption poses a threat to our sport as selfish corrupters lure cricketers in different ways and methods. That’s precisely why the PCB has been investing heavily in player education so that they remain vigilant and can help the PCB eradicate this menace by reporting approaches if, despite all our best efforts to create awareness, a player falls victim to his greed, then the PCB has no sympathy,” he further said.
Wicketkeeper-batter will become Australia’s 14th T20I and 30th ODI captain
Two-time world champion overcomes early setback after losing first two frames to Cyprus' Michael Georgiou
"ACC and African contingents want the Afro-Asia Cup to be revived," says ACA head
Pakistan to compete in nine-team Baseball United Arab Classic from November 7 to 10
Spinner earns first nomination thanks to 20 wickets during England Tests
Kangaroos successfully chase down Green Shirts' 204-run target in 34th over