The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has banned domestic-level coach Noor Mohammad ‘Lalai’ from all forms of the game for five years. The Board found him guilty of approaching a national team player to spot-fix matches.
Noor Mohammed is a domestic assistant coach with the Kapisa province side. He is also a full time coach with Hampalana private academy.
A national team player whom he approached reported this. The ACB has not named him yet.
“The charges relate to the Shpageeza Cricket League (2019), a national team player X was approached by Noor Mohammad Lalai with the reference to ‘work’ being a request to assist with the spot-fixing in a few matches in the mentioned tournament,” the ACB said in a statement.
“Under the provisions of the Code, Mr. Noor Mohammad chose to admit the charges levied against him. He agreed to the sanctions by ACB in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing,” it added.
The development comes only three months after the ACB banned wicketkeeper-batsman Shafiqullah Shafaq for six years because of match-fixing allegations.
The ACB gave details of the charges against Noor Mohammed. It said that the coach was guilty of four offences. These offences included “fixing or contriving in any way or otherwise influencing improperly, or being a party to any agreement of effort to fix.”
“This is a very disappointing and serious offence where a domestic level junior coach is involved in the corruption of a high-profile domestic game in SCL 2019.”
The ACB offered “grateful appreciation” to the national Player who reported Noor Mohammad displaying “true bravery and professionalism“.
“He recognized it for what it was, rejected it and reported it. He then supported our investigation and subsequent tribunal,” the statement read.