Mohammad Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan, Zulfiqar Babar questioned by PCB’s ACU

DUBAI: Extending the spectrum of inquiry into an attempt by an international syndicate to corrupt Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday confirmed that it investigated and questioned the matter with three more players. 

An official of PCB confirmed that three players Mohammad Irfan of Islamabad United, Zulfiqar Babar of Quetta Gladiators and Shahzaib Hasan of Karachi Kings were questioned by the PCB’s anti-corruption unit.

“As a part of the investigations, Mohammad Irfan was also questioned. He does not face any immediate suspension. PCB’s ACU has also questioned Shahzaib Hasan and Zulfiqar Babar. They will continue to play the PSL,” said PCB in a statement.

Earlier, there were some media reports that Mohammad Irfan was also expelled from PSL and he was being sent home. However, following the PCB’s announcement that Irfan was not suspended, the left-arm fast bowler travelled with his Islamabad United teammates to the stadium for the match against Lahore Qalandards.

But, Irfan was not named in Islamabad’s final XI for the match against Lahore Qalandars.

Meanwhile, Najam Sethi, the chairman of Pakistan Super League, said an inquiry into Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif would take 10-15 days. He added that three other players questioned had been cleared. 

The PSL chairman said other players had nothing to worry about and should approach the board if they are contacted by bookies. 

Read: Sharjeel, Latif probe will take 10-15 days 

“The ACU will remain vigilant and continue to protect the PSL from the menace of corruption,” he said. 

Further players questioned

According to sources, some more players were “questioned” by ACU officials, but they were not the part of the investigation, neither are they under the scanner.

“Questions were asked from other players as well, regarding if they have any information. You can’t call it an investigation, but they were just asked random questions by the ACU,” the source said.

Sources further added that one of the players was under investigation for not reporting the approach made to him. However, the player was not named by the source.

According to sources, one of the players who was named as “being questioned” by Pakistan Cricket Board was the one who reported the approach to the board.

“It was Shahzaib Hasan, who reported the approach to the board after receiving a suspicious phone call,” said the source.

Read: Three categories for questioned players 

PSL hit by scandal

The PSL was hit by a scandal on Friday, which exposed attempts by an international syndicate. Following an initial inquiry, the PCB suspended two players Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan – both of Islamabad United – for their alleged link with attempts to corrupt the league.

Read: Sharjeel, Latif suspended

This development has also spoilt the festivity which was initially observed at the team hotel as PSL provided fans with an opportunity to meet with their favourite players under one roof, but after the story of two players being suspended, the players remained confined to their rooms and avoided meeting fans at the hotel.