Khalid Latif given five-year ban for spot fixing by Pakistan Cricket Board

Pakistan batsman Khalid Latif has been banned for five years after being found guilty of being in contact with the bookies during the second edition of Pakistan Super League played this year. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) imposed a fine of one million besides his five-year sentence. The Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit leveled six charges against Latif.

The Karachi-born player was first provisionally suspended by PCB along with Sharjeel Khan during the second edition of Pakistan Super League. Taffazul Rizvi who is board legal advisor stated that Cricket Board has got the evidence that cricketers were guilty of committing spot fixing and were also in contact with bookies. The tribunal has made a decision only after going through the evidence presented against them in this time.

Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed may also face severe punishment once trial begins for the two cricketers. Mohammad Irfan was banned for six month period after not to reporting to the authorities of being approached by a bookie. The left-arm quick bowler also received a fine of one million.

Khalid Latif did not go to any of the hearings after tribunal consisting of three members denied him access to his recorded interview. Sharjeel was found guilty of playing two dot balls in the opening over of the opening game of the tournament; Latif never played any game for Islamabad United. He represented Pakistan in five one day internationals and thirteen T20s and was also instrumental in Islamabad United winning the inaugural edition of Pakistan Super League played in UAE.