The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that a player reported an approach from a suspected bookie during the National T20 Cup, currently in progress in Rawalpindi, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.
Following the player’s report, the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit carried out its own investigation, before referring the matter to the Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) for further probe.
PCB Director Anti-Corruption and Security Lt Col (retd) Asif Mahmood said: “I have spoken with the player to compliment and thank him for following the PCB Anti-Corruption Code and reporting the approach to the anti-corruption officer.
“This is a testament of our regular anti-corruption education sessions as well as the player’s clear understanding of the Code and his obligations under such a situation. This also reflects the trust and confidence the players have in the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit, which is very satisfying and encouraging for us,” he said.
Following the report, the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit carried out its own probe and unearthed some sensitive information, which has been forwarded to the FIA, which has the required expertise, resources, capabilities and powers to investigate such matters, PCB said.
“As we cannot jeopardise an ongoing investigation, it will be inappropriate for us to share any specifics of the approach. However, the PCB as a responsible member of the International Cricket Council will continue to keep the game’s administrative body abreast of the progress in investigations as part of our information-sharing approach.
“We are all aware that the game is at risk due to a small number of corrupters who try to entice cricketers for their personal gains and benefit. But there is also no doubt that we can collectively defeat these people if the players strictly abide by the anti-corruption protocols and continue to report approaches to the anti-corruption officers,” PCB official added.
The PCB said as part of its zero-tolerance approach for corruption in cricket, has been assisting the government on legislation to criminalise corruption in sports.
In a statement, PCB said, it has proposed severe sanctions relating to corruption, illegal manipulation, betting and match and spot-fixing as well as aiding and abetting such conduct on those found guilty of engaging in such offences in the draft paper.