ICC Bans Pakistan-Born UAE Wicket-keeper Ghulam Shabbir For Four Years On Failing To Report Corrupt Approaches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned UAE Wicket-keeper Ghulam Shabbir from all forms of cricket for a four-year period after the cricketer admitted breaching six provisions under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Ghulam Shabbir has been under the ACU’s investigation since 2019, when he had disappeared from the UAE squad during the men’s T20 World Cup qualifier at home. He hasn’t played for UAE since October 2019.

Now, the governing body has handed him a ban on violation of six counts regarding corruption in the game.

The ICC in a statement listed out the breaches by Ghulam Shabbir:

Breach of Article 2.4.4 – failing to disclose to the ACU full details of attempted approaches to engage in corrupt conduct in relation to the series against Nepal in January/February 2019.

Breach of Article 2.4.4 – failing to disclose to the ACU full details of approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct in relation to the series against Zimbabwe in April 2019.

Breach of Article 2.4.5 – failing to disclose to the ACU full details of an approach received by a teammate to engage in corrupt conduct in relation to the series against Zimbabwe in April 2019.

Breach of Article 2.4.5 – failing to disclose to the ACU full details of facts and/or incidents that he was aware of which may have evidenced corrupt conduct by other Participants.

Breach of Article 2.4.6 – failing to cooperate with the ACU’s investigation by failing to surrender all his mobile devices upon request and failing to produce documentation requested by the ACU.

Breach of Article 2.4.7 – obstructing the ACU’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.

The 35-year-old now will have to stay away from the game till midnight of 20th August 2025.

The Pakistan born cricketer has played 40 international matches – 23 ODIs and 17 T20Is – for the UAE; he has taken 44 catches and affected 3 stumping in those games.

Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, said: “Shabbir played 40 matches for the UAE and was expected to understand his responsibilities as an international cricketer. He also attended at least three anti-corruption education sessions in which players were reminded of their obligations to report any approaches by corrupters.

“It was disappointing to note that he did not report any of the approaches. Although he was cooperative when interviewed and expressed remorse, it is only appropriate that he be banned so that a strong message goes out to other players and potential corrupters.”

Earlier this year, UAE pacer Qadeer Ahmed was handed a five-year ban, former captain Mohammad Naveed and opening batsman Shaiman Anwar Butt were banned for eight years – all on account of corruption. UAE had failed to qualify for this year’s T20 World Cup.

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