PSL spot-fixing: Problems for Sharjeel have increased, claims PCB lawyer

Problems for discarded batsman Sharjeel Khan, facing spot-fixing allegations have increased after England National Crime Agency (ENCA) official's statement, claimed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lawyer.

The counsel, while talking to reporters after attending the PCB Anti-corruption Tribunal hearing on Friday, said that ENCA operations manager Andrew Ephgrave's statement proved that Sharjeel had not played the two dot balls on merit in the opening match of the league, reports the Dawn.

The lawyer said that cross-examining of both the lawyers in the case has been completed and they would now submit their written replies before the tribunal.

Sharjeel's attorney, meanwhile, claimed that Ephgrave's appearance would not make any negative impact on his client's case.

The spot-fixing allegation relates to a match between Sharjeel's team Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi in Dubai in February during the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which the left-handed batsman scored a single off four deliveries including two dot balls.

On March 6, a three-member tribunal was formed by the PCB to investigate the spot-fixing case allegedly involving Sharjeel and Khalid Latif.

Sharjeel, Latif and Shahzaib Hasan are facing charges for a number of breaches of the anti-corruption code of the PCB while playing for their respective teams in the second edition of the PSL.

Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Nawaz, who were also accused, have already received their punishments and have been suspended for failing to report offers to fix.

Nasir Jamshed is other player involved in the scandal.