Irfan has been suspended for two-and-a-half years
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Hong Kong all-rounder Irfan Ahmed for two years and six months after he admitted to breaching their Anti-Corruption Code.
The ICC also made it clear that Ahmed, who has accepted his suspension and waived his right to appeal, was not charged for any offence relating to corruption, but he did fail to report “full details of approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct that had been made to him between January 2012 and January 2014”.
As a result, Ahmed has been found guilty of breaching Article 2.4.2 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code which states, “Failing to disclose to the ACU (without undue delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in conduct that would amount to a breach of the Anti-Corruption Code.”
“It is pleasing to note that the investigation upon which these charges were founded originated from information that had been disclosed to the ACU,” Ronnie Flanagan, chairman of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), said in an ICC release. “This is a clear and welcome demonstration that participants now more and more fully realise their own responsibilities in combating this scourge on the game through prompt and diligent reporting as required by the Code.
“However, it is also indicative of the worrying trend that those intent on corrupting the game are increasingly focusing their activities on Associate Member cricket and that the sport therefore needs to ensure that it is appropriately resourced and protected in that area.”
Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) chairman Mike Walsh echoed Flanagan’s sentiments and made it clear that he and the board will continue to support the ICC’s fight against corruption.
“The HKCA are pleased this matter has now reached its conclusion and fully support the continued fight against corruption in cricket,” Walsh said. “We echo the ICC ACU Chairman’s concerns about the recent attention paid to emerging cricket nations by illegal betting networks, and we stand with the ICC to reinforce their efforts in educating our players and officials about the very real risks currently faced by cricket.”
HKCA CEO Tim Cutler added: “The global problem of match-manipulation is a threat to the sport of cricket and Hong Kong cannot afford to be complacent. The HKCA is committed to taking all necessary measures to prevent corrupt practices undermining the integrity of the sport of cricket, including attempts to improperly influence the outcome or aspect of any Match or Event.
“We have implemented a number of initiatives to combat corruption including adopting and implementing a robust Anti-Corruption Code in Hong Kong that has been approved by the ICC. The acknowledgement by the ACU of the HKCA’s unqualified cooperation during their investigations is indicative of our efforts to maintain the integrity of cricket in Hong Kong.”
Irfan, who has represented Hong Kong in six ODIs and eight Twenty20 Internationals, will be able to make his comeback when his ban ends on May 4, 2018.