Pakistan Interior Minister orders probe into PSL alleged spot-fixing

Pakistan Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct an impartial probe into Pakistan Super League (PSL) spot-fixing scandal without having influence from any side.

The Federal Investigation Agency has submitted an initial report to Nisar Ali Khan which talked about measures adopted about the Pakistan Super League games and also pointed out possibility of involvement of certain players. Looking into the matter Nisar has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency to complete the investigation as soon as possible.

The Minister has clearly pointed out that this is not about any personal act but this kind of issues harms the country’s reputation and is not good for cricket in Pakistan.

Nisar Ali Khan quoted the Express tribune “Therefore, detailed probe into this matter is necessary”

This is not the first time questions have been raised of spot fixing in the Pakistan Super League. Previously, Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif had been allegedly involved in spot fixing to investigate which a three member tribunal was formed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The two players saw themselves suspended by the PCB under its Anti-Corruption code, as part of an ongoing investigation into an international syndicate which was held harmful for the second edition of the PSL.

The Islamabad United players recorded their statements on 18^th of February before the Anti-Corruption unit of the board. Three connections with the case have been taken into custody by the British Police which includes discarded Pakistan opener Nasir Jamshed. Jamshed was however released on bail.

Both the players has red-flagged the spot fixing charges against them but has agreed to the fact that they went to meet the fixer tempted by the words of a former Pakistani test player.

If found guilty both the players are sure to face life bans for meeting a fixer who is linked to an international betting syndicate. Going by the words of the PCB officials the players are to go through a minimum one year ban even if nothing is proven against them.

The PCB has plans of forming a disciplinary committee who would decide upon the punishment of both the players if they confess about the charges against them. However, if they don’t, a trial court would be set up by PCB’s anti-corruption unit under the chair of a former judge and with a representation of one former player to investigate the matter.