Pakistan's Nawaz banned for 2 months

Sports Desk: Pakistan left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has been suspended for two months after admitting to the PCB's charge of failing to report a suspect approach.

Nawaz's suspension is effective from May 16, but he can return to cricket after one month provided he fulfills criteria set by the Pakistan board.

Nawaz's player contract with the PCB was suspended, and he was also fined 200,000 Pakistani rupees. Among other conditions set by the PCB are that Nawaz should not be found in further breach of the PCB's anti-corruption code, and that he should take part in the board's anti-corruption education programmes.

The anti-corruption proceedings against Nawaz began on May 8, when he was summoned by the PCB for a possible breach of the code. He was issued a demand notice and asked to appear before the board's Vigilance and Security Department. The PCB said that Nawaz, on May 15, had approached the board and requested for a meeting, and the board had asked him to submit a letter stating his version of events regarding the alleged breach.

"Nawaz submitted his written statement admitting the charges levelled against him by PCB and appeared for subsequent meetings with PCB on 16th May 2017 to properly explain his case," the PCB said.

Nawaz was the seventh Pakistan player to come under the PCB's scanner during the ongoing investigation into corruption that emerged during the second season of the Pakistan Super League in February and March. Six others are either facing charges of corruption, or have been banned, or were questioned by the PCB. Proceedings against Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed and Shahzaib Hassan are underway; Mohammad Irfan was suspended for a year; and Zulfiqar Babar was questioned.

Nawaz, 23, has played three Tests, nine ODIs and 5 T20Is in the last seven months, and he was in Pakistan's T20I squad for the tour of the Caribbean, though he didn't play.

Agencies

risingbd/DHAKA/May 17, 2017/Amirul