By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
United Arab Emirates (UAE) players, Mohammad Naveed and Shaiman Anwar Butt have been banned from all Cricket activities for eight years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti – Corruption Tribunal.
The two were found guilty for breaching the ICC Anti –Corruption Code by the ICC Anti Corruption Tribunal.
Their charges are back dated to 16 October 2019 when they were suspended for an attempt to temper with matches of the ICC Men’s T2o World Cup Qualifier 2019 in the UAE.
The two were found guilty following a full hearing of Article 2.1.1 for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect of a match or matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Qualifier 2019.
Naveed was also found guilty of breaching two counts of the Emirates Cricket Board Anti –Corruption Code for Participants of the T10 League 2019 which falls under Article 2.1.1 for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of a match or matches at the T10League 2019.
ICC General Manager of Integrity Unit, Alex Marshall said the ban of the two is a warning to the others.
Naveed and Anwar represented their adopted country, the UAE at the highest level in cricket. Naveed was the captain and leading wicket taker.
Anwar was the opening bat, both has long international careers and were well versed in the threat from match fixers.
The fact 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.
I am pleased that the independent tribunal has imposed significant bans from all forms of cricket and this should serve as a warning to any cricketer who considers taking the wrong path,” he said
