PSL 2017: PCB suspends Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif for alleged corruption

Pakistani cricketers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif have been provisionally suspended by the country's cricket board over corruption charges.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that it has suspended Sharjeel and Khalid- under its Anti-Corruption Code as part of an ongoing investigation into an international syndicate which is believed to be attempting to corrupt the T20 league being played in Dubai.

"Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif have been suspended and the rigorous and wide-ranging investigation by the PCB supported by the ICC will continue as part of collective efforts to protect the integrity of the sport," the Dawn quoted PCB as saying in a statement.

"It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of the case, however, this investigation is a clear demonstration of our determination to drive corruption out of our sport," said PSL chairman Najam Sethi.

Sethi further said that they would not tolerate any form of corrupt activity and as the investigation proceeds, they would not hesitate to take further decisive action as appropriate.

Both Sharjeel and Latif play for defending champions Islamabad United in the fledgling PSL, the second season of which began in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday.

"The investigation of the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit backed by the ICC ACU has been effective in dealing with this case to date and we will continue to work in the closest collaboration as the investigation proceeds. We are all absolutely committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who would seek to damage the integrity of our sport," read the statement issued by PCB.

Commenting on the matter, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said, "I must remind all players of their responsibilities in the fight against corruption. They must understand that if they even think they may have been the subject of a suspicious approach, it is their obligation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code to report it to an appropriate anti-corruption official as a matter of urgency."

"Under no circumstances will the PCB condone actions of a few individuals to bring disrepute to the game of cricket or taint the image of Pakistan."

"The PCB and the ICC will not make any further comment in respect of ongoing investigation," the statement added.

Sharjeel, who made his Test debut against Australia in Sydney last month, has played 25 ODIs and 15 T20s. Latif has represented Pakistan in five ODIs and 13 T20s.