Sarfraz approached to fix games?

Sarfraz Ahmed approach fixing Pakistan cricket

Sarfraz Ahmed was apparently approached ahead of the third ODI against Sri Lanka

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed that they have launched an investigation after Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was allegedly approached to fix matches.

It is understood that the approach was made prior to the third ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, which Pakistan won by seven wickets.

Sarfraz immediately reported the approach to the team management, who then passed on the information to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption unit (ACU).

“A player was approached,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi said via his Twitter account. “As per rules he immediately reported to PCB who informed ICC. Matters are jointly in hand. No further comment.”

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a PCB official was quoted by the Press Trust of India as saying: “The matter has been handled as per standard procedure but there is a lot of respect for Sarfraz, who as a captain and player, has set a great example for his teammates on how to avoid attempts to corrupt the game.

“ICC rules don’t allow us to name player (s) in such cases where approaches are reported but yes Sarfraz got an offer and he immediately reported the matter to the concerned officials, who have taken appropriate action.”

Following the approach, the official revealed that Pakistan decided to reinstate a team curfew after it had been relaxed a while back.

“On the insistence of head coach Mickey Arthur, there was a bit of relaxation for the players during the ongoing series in the UAE and they were allowed to meet friends and go out for shopping and dinners but now strict procedures and timings have been enforced again,” the official said.

The PCB have vowed to take a firm stance when it comes to corruption, especially after Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif and Mohammad Irfan were all banned for their involvement in a spot-fixing scandal in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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