PCB bans cricketer Asif Afridi for two years over breaches of its Anti-Corruption Code

Karachi (Pakistan), February 8: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned left-arm spinner Asif Afridi for two years for two separate breaches of its Anti-Corruption Code.

The left-arm spinner's suspension will be lifted two years after the ban takes effect, which is September 12, 2022, the date he was temporarily suspended. According to ESPNcricinfo, the more serious violation of the code involves "directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, persuading, encouraging, or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach any of the foregoing provisions of this Article 2.4."

Although the specifics of this offence were not made public, it resulted in a two-year penalty. His second offence is a violation of Article 2.4.4, which addresses failure to report corrupt practices. He was also sentenced to six months penalty for the same offence, to run concurrently with the two-year suspension.

Despite the fact that the offences could result in a lifelong ban, the PCB claimed that they had considered his admission of guilt, degree of regret, and prior record.

"It gives the PCB no joy to suspend an international cricketer for two years, but we have a zero-tolerance approach towards such offences," PCB chairman Najam Sethi said.

"As the game's governing body, we need to make examples, handle such matters robustly and send out strong messages to all cricketers. It is bitter fact that corruption poses a threat to our sport as selfish corrupters lure cricketers in different ways and methods. That's precisely why the PCB has been investing heavily in player education so that they remain vigilant and can help the PCB eradicate this menace by reporting approaches. If despite all our best efforts to create awareness, a player falls victim to his greed, then the PCB has no sympathy," he added.

- ANI

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