ECB suspends agent representing Pakistani cricketers over corruption violations

Published - 29 Mar 2025, 05:32 PM | Updated - 29 Mar 2025, 11:35 PM

PCB boss Mohsin Naqvi with Pakistan players in Dubai. Image Credit: X

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken strict action by suspending the registration of Mugees Ahmad Sheikh, the agent representing most centrally contracted Pakistani cricketers after he was found guilty of violating the ECB's Anti-Corruption Code four times.

Mugees Ahmad Sheikh, who heads the International Cricketers Association (ICA), was found to have committed four breaches of the ECB’s Anti-Corruption Code following an investigation by the cricket regulator and a subsequent hearing at an independent anti-corruption tribunal.

ECB takes action against agent representing top Pakistan stars

However, the tribunal has not yet announced the final decision on the suspension, but the ECB has suspended Sheikh’s registration as a player agent, as reported by Cricket Pakistan. The ICA currently represents over 80% of centrally contracted Pakistani cricketers and several former stars, making it the most influential agency in Pakistan cricket.

Of the 25 centrally contracted Pakistani players, 20 are associated with ICA, including Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Hurraira, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Maqeem, and Tayyab Tahir.

ICA represents legends like Misbah ul Haq and Abdul Razzaq

Imam ul Haq, Mohammad Haris, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Usama Mir, and Abdul Samad are also linked to the same agency. The agency also represents iconic former players like Aaqib Javed, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and Misbah ul Haq.

Recently, the ICA has replaced the once-dominant SAYA Corporation when it comes to representing the players. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously tried to control the influence of SAYA, but ICA quickly rose to prominence and took over as the primary representative agency.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's miserable run of poor form continued, as they lost the three-match ODI series opener by 73 runs against New Zealand on March 29. Chasing a massive target of 345, Pakistan got off to a strong start with debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique adding 83 runs for the opening wicket.

Pakistan suffer crushing defeat in the 1st ODI against New Zealand

However, Nathan Smith broke the stand by dismissing Usman for 39, and skipper Michael Bracewell sent Abdullah back for 36 soon after. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan tried to steady the ship with a 76-run partnership, but debutant Muhammad Abbas got the skipper out for 30.

However, Babar continued to fight, crafting a fluent 78 before falling to Will O’Rourke, triggering a collapse. Tayyab Tahir’s run-out and Irfan Khan Niazi’s golden duck worsened the situation, and Pakistan crumbled to 253/6. Nathan Smith struck again, removing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, while Jacob Duffy ended Salman Ali Agha’s resistance at 58.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs. Smith starred with the ball, taking 4/60, while Duffy picked up two wickets as New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing ODI series. Earlier, Mark Chapman (132), Daryl Mitchell (76), and Abbad (52) stole the show with the bat, helping the Black Caps to post 344/9 on the board against the Men in Green.