PCB orders Khalid Latif to cooperate in investigation to avoid disciplinary actions

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ordered the tainted batsman Khalid Latif to appear in front of the officials for the formal trials in the spot-fixing scandal. The board has warned him to do so in order to avoid any more disciplinary actions. Latif was provisionally suspended by the board for his alleged involvement in the spot-fixing scandal of PSL 2017.

Earlier on April 26, Khalid Latif had refused to appear before the anti-corruption unit officials. He had also made remarks about Colonel Muhammad Azam Khan, the head of the ACU, calling him biased and not trustworthy. The PCB has rubbished all the claims made by Latif.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Vigilance and Security Department has responded to cricketer Latif’s letter received on April 24 and has vehemently rejected the frivolous, baseless and false allegations leveled in the letter,” a PCB statement read.

The statement further noted that the negative attitude and non-cooperation of Khalid Latif is annoying for the officials and the board members.

“The PCB Anti-Corruption Unit has to date acceded to all permissible requests by Latif and extended full cooperation as permitted under the Anti-Corruption Code. But regrettably, Latif’s actions appear to be solely aimed at frustrating and obstructing the ongoing investigations.”

Elaborating on the same note, the statement affirmed that the board is aware of the petition that Khalid Latif has filed with the Lahore High Court. However, the filing of the petition does not relieve him of the duties to appear before the court.

“PCB is aware that Latif had filed a writ petition before the honorable Lahore High Court and that the same was dismissed in line. Resultantly there is no legal impediment against PCB in continuing its investigation under the code. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of Article 4.3 of the code Latif is again directed to appear before the PCB Vigilance and Security Department for an interview on Tuesday, May 2, 2017,” the statement added.

In case Latif continues to skip the trials conducted by the ACU, he will be breaching quite a few rules of the board and the ACU. Under this situation, the board officials will have every right to penalize him for this non-cooperation in the investigations.

“Latif is once again reminded of his obligations under the code which mandates his full cooperation with the PCB Vigilance and Security Department in its investigation. Latif’s non-appearance at the aforementioned interview may result in further breaches of Articles 2.4.6 and 2.4.7 of the code,” it conceded.