ICC launches investigation into Zim Afro T10 League over alleged match-fixing activities

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an investigation into alleged suspicious activities during the recently concluded Zim Afro T10 League 2024 in Harare. The investigation is focused on wrongdoings in a match between the Durban Wolves and the Harare Bolts.

It is being said that a few cricketers were involved in suspicious activity during Zim Afro T10 League 2024, with the probe specifically focusing on two overs that raised alarm bells due to a high number of extras, including wides and no-balls, in that match between Durban and Harare.

Suspicious overs in Zim Afro T10 2024 trigger ICC Investigation

The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit has wasted no time, actively questioning players and officials to determine if any wrongdoing happened in the recent Zim Afro T10 tournament. The sixth over, bowled by the UAE cricketer Kashif Dawood, who has Pakistani connections, raised the eyebrows.

In an extraordinary arrangement, Dawood’s 14-ball over saw 20 runs scored, including a staggering 7 wides and 2 no-balls, which was an unusual pattern and has sparked suspicion. Adding fuel to the fire, Afghanistan pacer Dawlat Zadran conceded 23 runs in the ninth over, including an abnormal number of extras, with 8 wides alone.

Apart from these bowlers, Pakistani Test spinner Yasir Shah bowled only one over in this match, but he conceded 30 runs, including three wides and three sixes. These suspicious overs have triggered intense scrutiny, with the ICC working hard to uphold the integrity of the sport.

Pakistani players and officials questioned as ICC probes misconduct in Zim Afro T10

The second edition of the Zim Afro T10 League was held from September 21 to 29 in Zimbabwe, with the Joburg Bangla Tigers crowned as champions. Several Pakistani cricketers and officials participated in the tournament, and a few of them were probably involved in suspicious activities.

After the match between the Durban Wolves and the Harare Bolts in the 2024 Zim Afro T10 League, the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit initiated an investigation, leading to one team owner unexpectedly departing for his home country before meeting with officials.

Additionally, the mobile phone of a player under suspicion was seized by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. Team officials were also questioned by the unit about a bowler who cited fitness problems as the reason for his poor performance. However, the ICC maintained its stance of not commenting on ongoing anti-corruption investigations on the matter.

'A mobile phone has been confiscated by the ICC'

A Pakistani journalist, Saleem Khaliq, also claimed that some Pakistani players and officials were questioned by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit as they launched investigations into the alleged suspicious activities at the 2024 Zim Afro T10 League.

Saleem Khaliq posted on the social media platform X: “Investigations have begun into the alleged suspicious activities of some cricketers in the Zim Afro T10 League. The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit has also questioned players and officials, including some Pakistanis. A mobile phone belonging to one individual has been confiscated. Officials became alert during one match due to an excessive number of wides and no-balls.”

Investigations have begun into the alleged suspicious activities of some cricketers in the Zim Afro T10 League. The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit has also questioned players and officials, including some Pakistanis. A mobile phone belonging to one individual has been confiscated.…

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 20, 2024