Nawaz summoned for possible breaches of anti-corruption code

The scope and span of the PCB's investigation into corruption allegations continues, with yet another international cricketer called up for questioning, on Monday.

The PCB's security and vigilance department issued a notice of demand to allrounder Mohammad Nawaz as part of its continuing investigations into corruption. Nawaz has been asked to appear before the security and vigilance department in relation to the possible breaches of the PCB's anti-corruption code.

A PCB release said Nawaz was issued a notice "in continuation of its fight against the menace of corruption in cricket". The notice of demand was issued under Article 4.3 of the PCB Anti Corruption Code. The release also said the PCB would not make further comments due to the "sensitivity of the matters under question".

Article 4.3 says the security and vigilance department can make a written demand to any participant to provide in writing and/or by answering questions in person at an interview with any information that the department believes may be relevant to the investigation.

Though the release did not specify as such, the demand to question Nawaz is part of the ongoing fallout from the second season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). It is believed that the PCB is concerned, specifically, about a failure to report a potentially corrupt approach made to the player.

The notice now brings to seven the number of players who are either facing charges of corruption, have been banned, or were questioned by the PCB for developments in the PSL. Proceedings against Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed and Shahzaib Hassan are already underway; Mohammad Irfan has been punished and suspended for a year; Zulfiqar Babar has been questioned as part of investigations and now Nawaz has been summoned.

Of particular concern to the PCB will be the fact that other than Jamshed and Shahzaib, all the players have been in and around Pakistan's international squads. Nawaz rose to prominence after the first PSL last year and was inducted into the limited-overs and Test sides as Pakistan searched desperately for an allrounder.

Though he didn't set the Test scene alight, there were occasional signs that he could equip himself in the shorter formats. He was prominent, rather than spectacular, for Quetta Gladiators this season, though the performances did include a memorable and nerveless final over against Peshawar Zalmi which took his side to the final.

He was in Pakistan's T20 squad for the tour to the Caribbean, though he didn't play and was somewhat overtaken by Shadab Khan in the race for the allrounder's slot. He is currently at the NCA in Lahore as part of an ongoing allrounders' camp the PCB is conducting.