Harare, Zimbabwe | The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an investigation into alleged suspicious activities during the recently concluded Zim Afro T10 League 2024 in Harare, which is sponsored by Zim Cyber City, headed by Mr. Shaji Ul Mulk.
The investigation focuses on wrongdoings in a match between the Durban Wolves and the Harare Bolts. Reports suggest that several cricketers were involved in suspicious activities during the league, with particular attention on two overs that raised alarm bells due to a high number of extras, including wides and no-balls.
The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit has acted swiftly, actively questioning players and officials to determine if any wrongdoing occurred during the tournament. The sixth over, bowled by UAE cricketer Kashif Dawood—who has Pakistani connections—raised eyebrows.
In an extraordinary arrangement, Dawood’s 14-ball over saw 20 runs scored, including a staggering 7 wides and 2 no-balls, which has sparked significant suspicion.
Adding to the controversy, Afghanistan pacer Dawlat Zadran conceded 23 runs in the ninth over, with an abnormal number of extras, including 8 wides alone. Additionally, Pakistani Test spinner Yasir Shah bowled only one over in this match but conceded 30 runs, including three wides and three sixes.
These suspicious overs have triggered intense scrutiny, with the ICC working diligently to uphold the integrity of the sport.
The second edition of the Zim Afro T10 League was held from September 21 to 29 in Zimbabwe, culminating in the Joburg Bangla Tigers being crowned champions. Several Pakistani cricketers and officials participated in the tournament, and some reportedly engaged in suspicious activities.
After the match between the Durban Wolves and the Harare Bolts, the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit initiated an investigation, leading to one team owner unexpectedly departing for his home country before meeting with officials.
Additionally, the mobile phone of a player under suspicion was seized by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, and team officials were questioned regarding a bowler who cited fitness issues as the reason for his poor performance.
The ICC has maintained its stance of not commenting on ongoing anti-corruption investigations.
A Pakistani journalist, Saleem Khaliq, reported that some Pakistani players and officials were questioned by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit as investigations into the alleged suspicious activities at the 2024 Zim Afro T10 League progressed.
Khaliq posted on the social media platform X: “Investigations have begun into the alleged suspicious activities of some cricketers in the Zim Afro T10 League.
ICC launches investigation into suspicious activities in Zim Afro T10
The unit also confiscated the mobile phone of a suspected playerhttps://t.co/orQzw27RSI— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 20, 2024
The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit has also questioned players and officials, including some Pakistanis. A mobile phone belonging to one individual has been confiscated. Officials became alert during one match due to an excessive number of wides and no-balls.”
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