Plan ready to protect HBL PSL 6 from evil eyes of bookies

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen on ensuring that the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six remains free from corruption and a comprehensive plans has been chalked out in this regard.

According to the details, before the start of last year’s PSL, Quetta Gladiators’ Umar Akmal was suspended because of accusation of having contact with a suspicious person. When convicted, he got banned for three years but later, on appeal, the punishment was reduced to 18 months.

Board is trying that no unpleasing event like this occurs again, which is why strict measures have been taken, according to Director Security and Anti-Corruption lieutenant colonel Asif Mehmood.  

In an exclusive interview, Mehmood said that briefings has been given to the officials and players will also be shown pictures of suspicious people. Regardless of this if there is a suspicious contact, PCB should be quickly informed as with every team, on hotel floor, one integrity officer is always present.

“There are frequent zoom meetings and we are in contact with the law enforcement authorities, if needed we will take help from them. As PSL is Pakistan’s domestic event so there is no need of ICC Anti-Corruption unit, previously we used to call them but now due to Covid-19 it will not be possible,” said Mehmood.

On a question about whether Umar Akmal’s case coming to light was a failure of anti-corruption unit, Asif Mehmood said that this impression is not right.

“We are alert all the time but information alone cannot be processed, Many times we have to wait for the proof. We waited then we called Umar Akmal and asked him about the suspicious meetings. Meanwhile he confessed of getting two offers,” he said.

“We keep record of every interview and video recording of Umar Akmal’s confession is also there. After this, no such incident occurred in the event,” he added.

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Mehmood also said that during PSL 6 there is no restriction on team owners going to the ground from us but this time because of Covid-19 there will be a different protocol.

“If anyone is in bio bubble so there will no issue. If any team owner is part of the management he won’t have the permission to keep a mobile phone with himself, In a situation of emergency he can use the phone of the Anti-Corruption unit‘s officer,” he said.

He further stated that “In the days of Covid-19, because of bio secure bubble, our work has become a little easier and a little more difficult at the same time. Now in hotel lobby or in the stadium players cannot meet anyone so there is less possibility of suspicious contact but we also have to keep an eye on their social media activities”.

Karachi Kings will begin from where they finished their successful HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 campaign by taking on 2019 champions Quetta Gladiators in the opening fixture of the 2021 edition at the National Stadium on February 20.

The 30-day 34-match tournament will culminate with the final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 22, marking the first time the venue will stage the final since 2017.