Pakistan Cricket Rocked by Match-Fixing Scandal as Former Captain Under Investigation
A shocking corruption scandal has hit Pakistan cricket, linking a former captain to a tainted agent, Mughiz Ahmed Sheikh. The ex-captain, whose name remains undisclosed, allegedly pushed young players to sign with Sheikh’s agency, ICA. Sheikh was found guilty of four breaches of the ECB’s anti-corruption code, leading to his suspension. Several Pakistani cricketers, including Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Huraira, have now cut ties with ICA.
With some of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket linked to a shocking corruption scandal, the sport faces yet another controversy. A former Pakistan captain has allegedly played a crucial role in persuading young cricketers to join the now-suspended agent Mughiz Ahmed Sheikh’s agency, the International Cricketers Association (ICA). Although the captain’s name has not been revealed, reports suggest he holds a significant position within Pakistan cricket.
Sheikh was found guilty of multiple breaches of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) anti-corruption code and was banned. Investigations revealed that he attempted to bribe a British coach to secure spots for certain players, prompting immediate action from the ECB. Following the scandal, many Pakistani cricketers, including Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Huraira, and Usama Mir, have distanced themselves from ICA. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz have also severed ties with the agency.
Of Pakistan’s 25 centrally contracted players, 20 were associated with ICA, including rising talents like Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Shadab Khan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained silent, but if the ECB enforces a ban on Sheikh, the ICC may require other cricket boards, including PCB, to honor it.
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