PCB announce roadmap for Pakistan batsman Sharjeel Khan's return to top level cricket

Waseem Ahmed 16:35 19/08/2019
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  • Sharjeel is nearing a return to top level cricket.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sharjeel Khan have agreed on a roadmap that will see the batsman reintegrated into top level competitive cricket by the end of the year.

    The 30-year-old is currently serving a suspended five-year ban for his role in the spot-fixing scandal which occurred in the 2017 Pakistan Super League and he offered an unconditional apology for his action after his meeting with the PCB on Monday.

    “I offer my unconditional apology to the Pakistan Cricket Board, my team-mates, fans and family for the irresponsible conduct that brought embarrassment to everyone. I request for forgiveness and assure I will show more responsibility in my future actions,” Sharjeel said in a statement released by the PCB.

    “I remind all cricketers to strictly and religiously follow the PCB Anti-Corruption Code as breaching it will only earn momentary gains but the consequences will be severe and last for rest of the career.

    “I have agreed on the future course of action with the PCB, including helping it in its education sessions on anti-corruption.

    “I will soon return to club cricket but will not rush into domestic cricket as I have been away for nearly 30 months and need time to reclaim my fitness and form.”

    The left-handed batsman will undertake a rehabilitation programme designed by the PCB’s Security and Anti-Corruption Unit which included attending and delivering lectures on the Anti-Corruption Code.

    Sharjeel’s rehabilitation will be completed by the end of 2019 following which the opening batsman will return to top level cricket.

    “We met Sharjeel today in which he showed remorse and regret for his actions. The PCB never takes pride in penalising its players, but it has a non-negotiable and zero-tolerance approach to matters relating to corruption,” PCB Security and Anti-Corruption Unit director Lt Col (R) Asif Mahmood said.

    “I hope this serves as a reminder to all those who think they can get away with violating rules as the PCB is vigilant and committed to eliminate the menace of corruption from the game.”

    Shrejeel has so far made one Test, 25 ODI and 15 T20 appearances for Pakistan and finished as the side’s top-scorer in the 2016 ICC World T20 held in India. His last appearance for the Men in Green came in January, 2016 in an ODI against Australia at Adelaide.

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