The Pakistan Cricket Board has provisionally suspended two players — Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif — under its Anti-Corruption Code as part of an ongoing investigation into an international syndicate which is believed to be attempting to corrupt the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif have been suspended and the rigorous and wide-ranging investigation by the PCB supported by the ICC will continue as part of collective efforts to protect the integrity of the sport,” read a statement issued by the PCB on Friday.

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“It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of the case, however, this investigation is a clear demonstration of our determination to drive corruption out of our sport, said PSL Chairman Najam Sethi.

We will not tolerate any form of corrupt activity and as this investigation proceeds we will not hesitate to take further decisive action as appropriate, Sethi was quoted as saying.

Both Latif and Khan were part of the Islamabad United team in the ongoing second edition of the PSL.

“The investigation of the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit backed by the ICC ACU has been effective in dealing with this case to date and we will continue to work in the closest collaboration as the investigation proceeds. We are all absolutely committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who would seek to damage the integrity of our sport,” read the statement issued by PCB.

While commenting on the matter. PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said, “I must remind all players of their responsibilities in the fight against corruption. They must understand that if they even think they may have been the subject of a suspicious approach, it is their obligation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code to report it to an appropriate anti-corruption official as a matter of urgency.”

“Under no circumstances will the PCB condone actions of a few individuals to bring disrepute to the game of cricket or taint the image of Pakistan,” he said.

The PCB and the ICC will not make any further comment in respect of ongoing investigation, the statement concluded.

The PCB chairman, while talking to media after returning to Pakistan, said: “I am disgusted and saddened that these two players did this despite everything done for them by the board.”

‘Islamabad United disappointed’

“We are understandably disappointed at this development but emphasise on our commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards any violations of the rules or stated guidelines, said a statement issued by the team’s media manager.

“We will be looking to find replacements for the squad as soon as possible,” it added.

As per the PCB's policy and guidelines, we will have no further comment on this issue, it concluded.