Picture Credit: ICC
United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricketers Mohammad Naveed and Shaiman Anwar Butt have received 8-year ban each from all cricket under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
The bans are backdated to October 16, 2019 when they had received provisional suspension. As per ICC, both the players had been charged for attempted corruption in matches of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019 in the UAE.
Charges on UAE cricketers
After a full-fledged hearing, the ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found both Naveed and Shaiman guilty of the following charges:
- For being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match or matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.
- Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.
Meanwhile, Naveed has been additionally found guilty for similar charges during the T10 League 2019 as well.
ICC issues warning to all cricketers with this verdict
Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, said: “Mohammad Naveed and Shaiman Anwar represented their adopted country, the UAE at the highest level in cricket. That they both chose to engage with this corrupt activity was a cynical betrayal of their positions, their teammates, and all supporters of UAE cricket.”
He added that he is pleased with the decision of independent Tribunal to impose significant bans to both of them from all forms of cricket. Marshall opined that this should serve as a warning to any cricketer who considers taking the wrong path.
Notably, Mohammed Naveed was the captain of the national side. The bowler has represented UAE in 39 ODIs and 31 T20Is. Meanwhile, Shaiman Anwar Butt had played 40 ODIs and 32 T20Is for his country.