Ex-Pakistan batter Basit Ali has lambasted the ICC anti-corruption unit for failing to spot the corruption in the Zim Afro T10 League. The league has come under the scanner by the apex board for suspicious activities.
The second edition of the Zimbabwe-based tournament took place from September 21 to 29, with the participation of six teams. The Sikandar Raza-led Joburg Bangla Tigers won the title by beating Cape Town Samp Army by five runs.
The ICC’s anti corruption Unit spotted some of the matches recorded unusual number of extras during the tournment. In particular, UAE’s Kashif Daud, who played for Durban Wolves conceded 20 runs off an over against Harare Bolts. Surprisingly, he bowled seven wides and two no balls, which is certainly not a normal occurrence for an experienced player.
Moreover, Daud’s teammate and veteran Pakistan spinner, Yasir Shah went for 30 runs off his solitary over, including three wides. Thereafter, the investigations began into the case as ICC questioned the players and officials. It is expected that the decision might come soon on the matter.
In the meantime, Basit Ali shared his thoughts on the alleged fixing scandal on his YouTube channel. Basit also pointed out the bowlers’ overstepping by a huge margin in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. He urged the authorities to take strict action against the players involved in such acts.
“Can’t ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit see what’s happening in Zimbabwe & Abu Dhabi?” he asked. “Can anybody stand up and ask them what happened in the Zimbabwe T10 league, which is under investigation? The tournament that is being held in Abu Dhabi — huge no-balls being bowled there. Even (David) Warner has tweeted about it.”
Further, Ali wondered if who provides the permission to organize these leagues, and questioned if the ICC anti-corruption unit is doing their work diligently.
Mohsin Naqvi wants “equality” for Pakistan amid Champions Trophy impasse
The virtual meeting for finalizing the venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy ended without a clear answer. As per PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan wants equality from ICC in their final decision. He feels there shouldn’t be a one-sided arrangement that they would keep visiting India, and their neighbours opting for a hybrid venue.
Moreover, Naqvi signaled that they will float an agreement to replicate the same arrangement for them in the tournaments held in India in the next three-year cycle.
“We will do whatever’s best for cricket,” he told reporters in Dubai. “If we adopt any other formula [except hosting the tournament in Pakistan], it will be done on the basis of equality. The most important thing for Pakistan is its respect; everything else is secondary.”
Naqvi feels this matter needs to be solved once for all and the agreement will be for the long-term. Nevertheless, the decision would also need to be passed through the governments of India and Pakistan.
FAQs
When is 2025 Champions Trophy expected to be played?
February 19 to March 9
Who won last edition of Champions Trophy?
Pakistan in 2017
