The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended a Pakistani-origin player agent for multiple violations of its anti-corruption code. The agent, who has strong ties with several current and former Pakistani cricketers, is accused of bribing coaches to secure a player’s spot in the team.
Reports suggest that this agent has been closely associated with several Pakistani cricketers over the years. Recently, a Pakistani player spent three months in London, during which the agent was frequently seen accompanying him to various events and social gatherings. The young cricketer was also spotted in multiple events with female fans.
The same agent was previously involved in releasing a controversial video of fast bowler Naseem Shah while he was under anesthesia during a medical procedure. The agent is known to have financial control over some players’ affairs and manages their commercial deals.
Sources reveal that the agent targets young cricketers at the junior level, signing them before they reach the national team. Once the players gain prominence, the agent secures lucrative contracts for them, benefiting both financially.
Following an investigation by the ECB’s Cricket Regulator and an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal, the agent was found guilty of four breaches of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code. The tribunal will decide the duration and extent of his ban in due course.
