Pakistan Super League started a few days ago, with an extravagant opening ceremony amid soaring expectations for bigger and better event. The first game also provided the full capacity crowd with a spectacle. But the next day, the excitement for many of the fans shattered as the news broke about the suspension of two PSL players for their alleged involvement in spot-fixing and their failure to report it to the relevant anti-corruption officials. The immediate culprits involved — Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Lateef — were named live during a match by the commentators. Once again, the memories of the infamous Lord’s Test 2010 returned to the misery of the fans.
Other than Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Lateef, a few other players are also under investigation, but the PCB officials have maintained that those players being questioned by the authorities will continue to play until there is a concrete evidence against them. On the other hand, PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan has said that they have significant evidence to suspend both Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Lateef. Both the players have been sent back to Pakistan. PSL Chairman Najam Sethi came out all guns blazing against the individuals involved in the harmful practices. Sethi told the media that PCB’s anti-corruption unit is closely working with the ICC’s anti-corruption unit to reach the end of the matter. “We have given them the opportunity, we have given them the money, and they rewarded us with this? This cannot be tolerated anymore, and everyone involved will face stringent of punishments,” said frustrated Shehryar Khan. The quote sums up the feelings of fans as well. Pakistan was lagging behind amid ban on international cricket and faltering domestic structure. Pakistani players were banned from IPL, and there weren’t many options for the domestic players to earn decent money.
