PCB fines Ahmed Shehzad for ball-tampering: Details here
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad on charges of ball-tampering during a domestic tournament. According to a PCB media release, the batsman has been fined 50% of his match fees after he was found guilty of changing condition of the ball (non-identification) during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Here are further details.
The incident happened during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy clash between Central Punjab and Sindh which took place on Tuesday. However, the player continued to claim innocence. He said the "condition of the ball changed naturally due to the rough playing square".
The incident happened during the 17th over of Sindh's first innings. During a normal inspection of the ball, on-field umpires found that the ball had been unfairly changed by someone from the fielding side. The matter was reported to the match referee who, on the basis of a preliminary review, determined that Shehzad, as captain, had a case to answer for the violation.
The incident that was related to non-identification of the player and a Notice of Charge was issued to him under the PCB Code of Conduct. Shehzad pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, during the hearing post the match, the Pakistan cricketer was found guilty.
Shehzad said that the ball changed naturally and not artificially. "We can agree to disagree in this incident as I maintain that the condition of the ball changed naturally due to the rough playing square and not artificially. I tried to convince the match officials, but they insisted and I accept and respect their decision," Shehzad was quoted as saying in an official statement.
"I would never indulge in such an act nor allow any of my teammates to disrespect the game. My priority is to play hard, competitive and result-oriented cricket, and at the same time inspire the younger generation, which watches us play the game," he said.
Recently, the Pakistan cricket team had recalled Shehzad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan went on to lose the series by a 3-0 margin. Shehzad failed with the bat and scored 3 and 14. He was dropped for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, starting tomorrow. Shehzad has played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs and 59 T20Is for Pakistan.
Last October, Shehzad was handed a four-month ban after he failed a dope test while playing in a domestic league. The PCB had earlier provisionally suspended the cricketer on July 10, 2018. Notably, traces of marijuana were found in his urine sample. "My doping case verdict is acceptable to me. I accept the sanction handed out by PCB," Shehzad had tweeted.
My doping case verdict is acceptable to me. I accept the sanction handed out by PCB. I inadvertently consumed a medicine which as an experienced cricketer I should have refrained from. I am fully committed to returning to cricket as soon as my ban is over (November 11, 2018.)
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) October 5, 2018
