Ihsanullah Janat, a prominent Afghanistan top-order batter, has been suspended from all cricket-related activities for five years due to corruption allegations. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the ban on Wednesday, effective immediately.
The ACB’s investigation revealed that Janat violated Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League earlier this year. The specific breaches involved improper influence and attempts to manipulate the outcome of matches.
Janat has acknowledged his guilt and confessed to his involvement in corrupt activities. The ACB’s anti-corruption unit is currently investigating three other players for potential involvement in similar offenses.
Janat, 26, has represented Afghanistan in 20 international matches across all three formats. He made his debut in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2017 and has since played 15 ODIs, scoring 307 runs. He has also featured in three Tests, amassing 110 runs, and one T20I, where he scored a quickfire 20.
Janat’s suspension is a significant blow to Afghanistan’s cricket team, which has been plagued by corruption scandals in recent years. The ACB has vowed to take strict action against any players or officials involved in such activities.
The ban on Janat serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in cricket. The ACB and the ICC are committed to eradicating corruption from the sport and ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all players.
