UK Cricketer Rizwan Javed Receives 17-Year Ban for Match-Fixing
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed down a significant blow to the integrity of the sport by imposing a staggering 17-year ban on UK-based cricketer Rizwan Javed for being involved in match-fixing.
This unprecedented ban comes in the wake of multiple offences related to match-fixing, tarnishing the reputation of the game.
Rizwan Javed’s ban stems from his participation in the 2021 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League, where he was found guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code for Participants.
The ICC’s investigation uncovered five separate breaches of the code, leading to the harsh penalty against Javed.
Among the offences committed by Javed are attempts to fix, contrive, or improperly influence matches or aspects of matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021 on three separate occasions, as outlined in Article 2.1.1 of the Anti-Corruption Code.
Additionally, Javed was found guilty of offering rewards to other participants in exchange for engaging in corrupt conduct, soliciting, inducing, or facilitating other participants to breach the code, and failing to disclose full details of corrupt conduct approaches or invitations.
Furthermore, Javed’s lack of cooperation with the investigation conducted by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (DACO) regarding possible corrupt conduct under the code was also a significant factor in the severity of his ban.
The ban, which is effective from September 2023, serves as a strong statement from the ICC regarding its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in cricket.
Rizwan Javed’s case is one of eight players and officials sanctioned by the ICC, with Bangladesh international Nasir Hossain among the high-profile individuals facing repercussions for similar offences.
In response to the sanctions, ICC Integrity General Manager Alex Marshall emphasized the gravity of Javed’s actions and the importance of deterring future attempts to corrupt the sport.
Marshall stated, “Rizwan Javed has received a lengthy ban from cricket for his repeated and serious attempts to corrupt professional cricketers.”
“The sanction imposed should send a strong message to other corrupters trying to target cricket at any level and demonstrates that any attempt to corrupt cricket will be strongly dealt with.”
The ICC’s decisive action against Rizwan Javed underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and purity of cricket, while also serving as a warning to those contemplating similar misconduct.
As the global governing body continues its efforts to safeguard the sport, players, officials, and fans alike can take solace in the vigilance demonstrated in upholding cricket’s core values.
