ICC issues 10-year ban on UAE-based coach: Details here
The ICC has banned UAE-based coach Irfan Ansari for 10 years after he was found guilty of approaching Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed in a corrupt manner in 2017. The ban came into reckoning after the ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaching three counts of the Anti-Corruption Code during a hearing in Dubai. Here are the details.
Ansari had approached Sarfraz in 2017
Ansari is bound by the ICC code as he is affiliated to the Pakistan cricket team, besides being a coach to two domestic teams that participate in UAE. He was found guilty of three counts. Ansari had approached Sarfraz during the series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in UAE in October 2017. His intention was to engage Sarfraz in corrupt practices by soliciting information.
Sarfraz had reported about the approach immediately
The matter came to light after the Pakistani skipper reported about Ansari immediately. The ICC ACU started an investigation post that. According to reports, Ansari worked with Sharjah Cricket Council for 30 years. He was also the head coach of the Sharjah Cricket Club.
'Sarfraz Ahmed showed true leadership and professionalism'
"I'd like to place on record my thanks to Sarfraz Ahmed who showed true leadership and professionalism from the moment he reported this approach. He recognised it for what it was, rejected it and reported it," ICC General Manager - ACU, Alex Marshall said.
Sarfraz was earlier given the nod ahead to remain skipper
Meanwhile, Sarfraz, who was suspended by the ICC recently for four matches in relation to racial slurs, was given the nod to continue as Pakistan captain for the ICC World Cup 2019. PCB's Chairman Ehsan Mani had stated that Sarfraz will remain skipper until any other decision is taken. Pakistan open their World Cup campaign against West Indies on May 31.
