PSL fixing row: PCB saved Sharjeel, Latif from imprisonment, says Akhtar

Karachi [Pakistan], Feb.23 (ANI): Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) saved provisionally suspended cricketers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif from possible imprisonment over their alleged involvement in match-fixing. The duo suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under its Anti-Corruption Code, as part of an ongoing investigation into an international syndicate which is believed to be attempting to corrupt the ongoing PSL being played in Dubai. Lashing out at Pakistan's anti-corruption unit, Akhtar emphasized that the way with which the board conducted the investigation has saved the batsmen from imprisonment. He further called on the PCB to resolve the fixing case according to the law and with proper investigation. "PCB has saved both players [Sharjeel and Latif] from imprisonment. PSL fixing case should be resolved as per the law and should be investigated thoroughly [for future as well]," the Express Tribune quoted Akhtar as saying. Both the cricketers, who play for Islamabad United franchise in the PSL, formally recorded their statements on February 18 before the anti-corruption unit of the cricket board. The pair is expected to hand in their written replies to PCB's charge-sheet within the next week. As per media reports, both the cricketers have denied the match fixing charges but have admitted to meeting the alleged fixer on the recommendation of a former Pakistani Test player. According to the PCB officials who are looking into the matter, the suspended players are expected to receive a minimum ban of one year for the breach of PCB's Anti-Corruption Code even if any fixing charges are not proven against them. Sharjeel, who made his Test debut against Australia in Sydney last month, has played 25 ODIs and 15 T20s. Latif has represented Pakistan in five ODIs and 13 T20s. (ANI)