ISLAMABAD – Disgraced former Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan took the firststep towards resurrecting his career Monday by apologising for indulging inthe spot-fixing in 2017 that earned him a five-year ban.
The 30-year-old met with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) anti-corruptionofficials who directed him to undergo a rehabilitation programme, puttinghim on track to return to the sport.
“I offer my unconditional apology to the PCB, my teammates, fans and familyfor the irresponsible conduct that brought embarrassment to everyone,”Sharjeel was quoted as saying in a PCB press release.
“I request for forgiveness and assure I will show more responsibility in myfuture actions,” he said.
The left-hander was a rising star and playing in the second edition of thePakistan Super League in Dubai when he was charged with deliberately notscoring on two balls at a certain time of the match in return for moneyfrom bookies.
Pakistan has a long and sordid history of spot-fixing — where a specificpart of a game is rigged, as opposed to match-fixing, where the wholeresult is.
Half of Khan’s ban was suspended.
The PCB said he has been given a roadmap to revive his career.
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“Sharjeel has completed his two and a half years of ineligibility and willnow complete rehabilitation before the end of the year and then reintegrateinto top level cricket,” the statement said.
The rehabilitation, among other things, will also include attending anddelivering lectures on the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.
Khan will also have to visit orphanages as part of community service, andparticipate in integration sessions with Pakistan’s national players andsupport personnel.
In his statement, Khan reminded fellow players to “strictly andreligiously” follow the PCB’s anti-corruption code.
He said he planned to return first to club cricket as he needed time tobuild up his fitness and form.
At the time of the ban, Sharjeel had played one Test, 25 one-dayinternationals and 15 T20 matches. -APP/AFP
