Asif Afridi, Pakistan’s veteran left-arm spinner, has been banned for two years for violating the Pakistan Cricket Board’s anti-corruption policies.
Asif Afridi has been suspended for two years for two separate violations of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code. The left-arm spinner’s suspension will begin on September 12, 2022, the date the player was temporarily suspended. According to reports, the offences occurred during the 2022 Pakistan Cup, in which Afridi played for runners-up Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In response to the incident, PCB chairman Najam Sethi stated, “The PCB is not happy about suspending an international cricketer for two years, but we have a zero-tolerance policy for such offences.
As the game’s governing body, we must set an example, deal with such issues forcefully, and send strong messages to all cricketers.”
He went on to say, “It is an unfortunate fact that corruption is a threat to our sport, as selfish corrupters entice cricketers in various ways and methods. That is why the PCB has been investing heavily in player education so that they can remain vigilant and assist the PCB in eradicating this threat through reporting methods. If, despite our best efforts to raise awareness, a player falls victim to his greed, the PCB has no sympathy.”
Asif has yet to play for Pakistan’s national team, but he was named to the T20I and ODI squads for Australia’s 2022 tour of Pakistan. He has also played for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League. The left-arm spinner has taken 240 wickets in 35 first-class, 42 List-A, and 65 T20 appearances. He played his final cricket game against Central Punjab in August 2022, during the National T20 Cup, before the ban was imposed.
