PCB cracks the whip as Sharjeel is handed a five-year ban

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Bengaluru, August 30: Former Pakistani opener Sharjeel Khan has been imposed with a five-year ban from all forms of cricket following his alleged involvement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) spot-fixing case.

The ban was imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board-appointed Anti-Corruption Tribunal (ACT) on Wednesday.

The ACT, led by Justice (retd) Syed Asghar Haider was investigating the PSL spot-fixing case which is the latest scandal to taint the sport in the cricket-crazy country.

"Sharjeel is banned for five years, which has two-and-a-half year suspended, after the proceedings of the case," said Asghat Haider, who headed the three-member tribunal.

Four other cricketers where also named in the scandal.

Sharjeel's lawyer, Shaigan Ijaz, said they would appeal against the ban.

An appellate tribunal is also expected to be formed - in accordance with PCB's rules - which will allow the banned batsman to file an appeal against his sentencing.

The left-hander's ban will take effect from the day he was provisionally suspended (February 10, 2017).

He has already been suspended for 2.5 years and is banned from playing cricket for a further 2.5 years, with his total sentence totalling to five years.

Sharjeel played for Islamabad United in the PSL and was sent home from the UAE, when he was suspended along with team-mate Khalid Latif.

Islamabad United coach Dean Jones and former Pakistan Test cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Sadiq Mohammad were presented as expert witnesses in front of the tribunal investigating the case.