Two UAE players handed eight-year bans for fixing attempts

Dubai - Naveed and Shaiman were found guilty of attempting to fix matches during the Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier in 2019

Two UAE cricketers have been banned for eight years by a tribunal for breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption code, the governing body for the sport said on Tuesday.

Former UAE captain Mohammad Naveed and batsman Shaiman Anwar, who rose to fame by scoring a World Cup century in 2015, were both found guilty of attempting to fix matches during the Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier in 2019.

“Both had long international careers and were well versed in the threat from match fixers,” Alex Marshall, General Manager of ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement released by the ICC on Tuesday.

“That they both chose to engage with this corrupt activity was a cynical betrayal of their positions, their teammates, and all supporters of UAE cricket.

“I am pleased that the independent tribunal has imposed significant bans from all forms of cricket and this should serve as a warning to any cricketer who considers taking the wrong path.”

Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board has fully supported the ICC action and stated that they remained firm in their stance against corrupt players.

“Emirates Cricket Board acknowledge the efforts of the Independent Tribunal and ICC Anti-Corruption Unit investigation, findings and sanctioning involving two of its suspended players; Mohammad Naveed and Shaiman Anwar Butt,” the cricket board said on Twitter.

“Emirates Cricket remains firm in its stance denouncing any activities of corruption and those undertaken by the players in this anti-corruption case.

“As mentioned in previous communications, now that the findings have been made final and sanctions have been laid against the players, Emirates Cricket Board will be making no further comment on this specific matter.”

The 33-year-old Naveed played 39 one-day matches and 31 T20 Internationals for the UAE and his last international game came against Zimbabwe in 2019.

Anwar, 42, played 40 ODIs and 32 T20 matches in international cricket. The aggressive batsman made 106 off just 83 balls in a 2015 World Cup game against Ireland.