More names of PSL players surface with links to 'corruption'

Three days into the celebrated Pakistan Super League, the names of more players have surfaced in connection with corruption charges, local media reported Saturday. Although no official statement has been issued by the PSL management, sources say the new player under the radar is a member of Islamabad United and has been suspended from the tournament. Dunya News, the official media partner of Islamabad United, has reported that pace bowler Mohammad Irfan is the new player who is alleged to be involved in corruption. Dawn.com is trying to reach the PSL administration for a statement. Irfan is a regular member of Pakistan's international squad and made his test debut against South Africa in Cape Town in 2013. He has since gone on to play 60 One Day Internationals and 20 T20 matches. Geo News quoting sources said 10 players participating in PSL were questioned as part of the probe. Two players, Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, were sent back home mid-tournament Friday night after allegations of them being involved with a match fixing syndicate. Geo reported that Sharjeel and Latif "entered a deal of Rs400,000- to Rs500,000 per match and that the players met bookies at a fast food restaurant near the stadium." PSL chairman Najam Sethi issued a statement following the incident saying, "We will not tolerate any form of corrupt activity and as this investigation proceeds we will not hesitate to take further decisive action as appropriate." He added that the PSL management is working with the anti-corruption units of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) to root out corruption. “It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of the case, however, this investigation is a clear demonstration of our determination to drive corruption out of our sport," Sethi had said. “We are all absolutely committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who would seek to damage the integrity of our sport.” While commenting on the matter. PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan had said, “I must remind all players of their responsibilities in the fight against corruption. They must understand that if they even think they may have been the subject of a suspicious approach, it is their obligation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code to report it to an appropriate anti-corruption official as a matter of urgency.” While talking to the media on Saturday, regarding the allegations against his son Sharjeel Khan’s father said “Sharjeel has done nothing wrong, this [allegation] is a misunderstanding.” “When the PCB investigates the matter further, it will see that Sharjeel is not to blame. I have full faith in God and know that he will be cleared of all charges,” he added.