Published: Apr 20, 2016, 05:05 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 20, 2016, 05:05 PM (IST)
Hong Kong all-rounder Irfan Ahmed has been suspended by the ICC for breaching the council’s Anti-Corruption Code. The suspension is for a period of two-and-a-half-years. Irfan had accepted that he was guilty of having breached the code. On November 4 last year, Irfan was charged with breaching the code but was provisionally suspended. An investigation was done on the same after the charge was framed. Irfan is currently not guilty of any corruption but he did not divulge the full details. Irfan said that him not reporting the approaches of corrupt conduct was a breach of the code. FULL SCORECARD: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challenges Bangalore at Mumbai
Wisden India quoted Ronnie Flanagan saying, “This penalty should act as a reminder to all Participants of the need to comply with their obligations under the Code at all times, and in particular the requirement to report corrupt approaches to the ACU without any delay. It is pleasing to note that the investigation upon which these charges were founded originated from information that had been disclosed to the ACU. This is a clear and welcome demonstration that participants now more and more fully realise their own responsibilities in combatting this scourge on the game through prompt and diligent reporting as required by the Code.” READ: Irfan Ahmed fixing approach is a threat to cricket’s soul, says Hong Kong cricket chief
“However, it is also indicative of the worrying trend that those intent on corrupting the game are increasingly focusing their activities on Associate Member cricket and that the sport therefore needs to ensure that it is appropriately resourced and protected in that area. Finally, I would also like to thank the Hong Kong Cricket Association (and all of its officials and players) for the cooperation that has been afforded to the ACU’s investigation during this period.”
