“I apologise to everyone whom I have hurt due to my negligence”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan and Islamabad United left-arm seamer Mohammad Irfan has been banned for a year and fined £8,000 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as he violated their code of conduct.

Irfan was provisionally suspended by the PCB in relation to their ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) corruption investigation.

Irfan’s ban is based on the fact that he failed to report an approach to either the board or their anti-corruption unit.

To make things worse, Irfan’s central contract has been terminated and he won’t be offered a new one within the first six months of his ban, which started on March 14 as that was the day he was suspended by the PCB.

But, the PCB could reconsider his ban after six months should Irfan help them out with their investigation, participate in lectures organised by the anti-corruption unit and not violate the rules further.

Appearing at a press conference, Irfan admitted that the punishment was fair, but insisted that he refused to get involved in any corrupt activities.

“First of all, I thank all of you for coming,” he said. “As you all know, I was suspended on March 14 by the PCB on accounts of two allegations against me. I accept my mistake that I didn’t inform the PCB or the ACU on time.

“When contacted, I had given the bookies a shut-up call. I never got involved with anyone in any sort of corruption. I had given the PCB the right to give me any punishment that they deem necessary.”

Irfan also took the opportunity to apologise to everyone who had been affected by his actions.

“I apologise to everyone whom I have hurt due to my negligence. I am hopeful that you all will forgive me for it,” he added.

A joint statement by PCB and PSL chairmen Shaharyar Khan and Najam Sethi said: “It is important for all players to take note and be reminded of their responsibilities and obligations under the PCB anti-corruption code and that no form of corrupt activity shall ever be tolerated by PCB.”