PSL fixing row: Sharjeel Khan claims innocence, says 'did nothing wrong'

Karachi [Pakistan], Feb. 22 (ANI): Sharjeel Khan, the Pakistani batsman, who has been suspended over charges of match fixing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), has insisted that he is innocent and has done nothing that would malign his country. Sharjeel, along with and Khalid Latif, was 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. "Did nothing wrong or anything that would malign his country", the Dawn quoted Sharjeel as saying. "The truth will come out soon," he said in a brief media talk, adding that the PCB has asked him to refrain from talking to the media. 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. Both are 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 ban minimum ban of one year for the breach of PCB's Anti-Corruption Code even if any fixing charges are not proven against them. As per the board officials, a disciplinary committee would be formed by the PCB decide about the punishment if both players confess to all the charges levelled against them. However, if they deny these charges then a trial court would be set up by the PCB's Anti-Corruption unit under chair of a former judge and with representation of one former player to investigate the matter. 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)