Pune Devils Officials Banned for Corruption
A significant scandal has rocked the cricket world with the imposition of bans on several individuals associated with the Pune Devils team, a participant in the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 league. The International Cricket Council (ICC), acting on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board, has found the individuals guilty of various breaches of the anti-corruption code.
Individuals Involved and Their Offenses
The primary figures involved in this scandal are:
- Ashar Zaidi: The batting coach of the Pune Devils.
- Parag Sanghavi and Krishan Kumar Choudhary: Co-owners of the Pune Devils.
These individuals have admitted to corrupt activities during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 league.
- Ashar Zaidi has been handed a five-year ban from all cricket-related activities. He was found guilty of soliciting, inducing, or encouraging others to engage in corrupt practices and failing to disclose approaches related to corrupt conduct.
- Parag Sanghavi and Krishan Kumar Choudhary have received two-year bans each. Sanghavi was found to have placed bets on cricket matches, while both co-owners failed to cooperate with the anti-corruption investigation.
Length of Bans and Effective Date for the Pune Devils Officials
The bans for all three individuals are backdated to September 19, 2023, the date of their provisional suspension. However, the final year of the bans for Sanghavi and Choudhary has been suspended, meaning they will be eligible to return to cricket on September 19, 2024. Zaidi’s ban is effective until September 19, 2027.
Wider Implications
This case highlights the serious issue of corruption in cricket and the stringent measures being taken to combat it. The ICC’s strong stance sends a clear message that any form of corrupt activity will not be tolerated. It is essential for the integrity of the sport that such individuals are removed from the game.
Additional Charges against Pune Devils Officials & Others Involved
It is important to note that eight individuals were initially charged in September 2023. While Zaidi, Sanghavi, and Choudhary have admitted to their offenses, the cases of the other five individuals are still ongoing.
Among the other individuals charged, Bangladesh all-rounder Nasir Hossain received a two-year ban, which was announced earlier.
This scandal underscores the need for robust anti-corruption measures in cricket at all levels. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the integrity of the sport and ensuring fair play for all.
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