Photo Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has banned Noor Mohammad “Lalai” from all forms of cricket for a period of five years after he accepted four charges related to the breaching of the ACB Anti-Corruption Code.
Noor Mohammad’s position as domestic assistant coach- someone who represents or is affiliated to an Afghanistan domestic team affiliated to ACB – namely Kapisa in 2019 two-day provincial tournament, constitutes a Participant for the purposes of the Code , furthermore, he is also a full time coach with Hampalana private Cricket Academy.
The charges relate to the SHPAGEEZA CRICKET LEAGUE (SCL 2019), a national team player X was approached by Noor Mohammad Lalai with the reference to “work” being a request to assist with the spot-fixing in a few matches in the mentioned tournament
Noor Mohammad was found guilty of the following four offences under the Code:
Breach of Article 2.1.1 – Fixing or contriving in any way or otherwise influencing improperly, or being a party to any agreement or effort to fix.
Breach of Article 2.1.4 – Attempting to solicit, induce, entice, persuade, encourage or intentionally facilitate a Participant to breach Article 2.1.”
Breach of Article 2.3.3 – directly soliciting, inducing, enticing or encouraging a participant to breach the Code
Breach of Article 2.4.4 – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by a Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under ACB Anti-Corruption Code.”
Under the provisions of the Code, Mr. Noor Mohammad chose to admit the charges levied against him and agreed to the sanctions by ACB in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing.
Addressing the matter, ACB’s Senior Anti-Corruption manager, Mr. Sayed Anwar Shah Quraishi said: “This is a very disappointing and serious offence where a domestic level junior coach is involved in the corruption of a high-profile domestic game in SCL 2019. The Coach, as an agent tried to get one of the National team Player to engage in corruption of spot fixing of few matches in SCL 2019. Luckily, he failed to do so as he was reported. “
Mr. Quraishi further added: “I would like to place on record my grateful appreciation and thanks to national Player Mr X who displayed true bravery and professionalism from the moment he reported this approach. He recognized it for what it was, rejected it and reported it. He then supported our investigation and subsequent tribunal.”
Mr. Quraishi also pointed out that without Mr Noor Mohammad’s admission of guilt and full cooperation with ACU throughout the investigation, the ban could have been significantly longer.
Afghanistan Cricket Board is committed to uphold integrity and transparency in its affairs and will deal strictly with those who violate these values and principles.
Name of Author: Afghanistan Cricket Board
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is the governing body for cricket in Afghanistan. It joined the ICC in 2001, became an associate member in 2013, and a full member in 2017. The ACB is also part of the Asian Cricket Council.
