The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has handed a five-year ban to top-order batter Ihsanullah Janat, effective immediately, after he was found guilty of breaches of the ACB and ICC Anti-Corruption codes.
The charges stem from his involvement in match-fixing during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League (KPL). Known for his potential and having debuted for Afghanistan in 2017, Janat has played three Tests, 16 ODIs, and one T20I. This ban represents a significant setback for his career and Afghan cricket as a whole.
Afghanistan Cricket Board bans the player for five years
The ACB stated that Janat violated Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, which pertains to the improper influence or efforts to fix any aspect of a match. Janat has admitted to the charges and confessed to his involvement in corrupt activities. This substantial ban marks a significant setback for both Janat and Afghan cricket, raising concerns about the integrity of the KPL and casting a shadow over the sport in the country.
“Janat was found guilty of violating Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, which involves improper influence or efforts to fix the result, progress, conduct, or any other aspect of a match. In light of this violation, he has been handed a five-year ban from all cricket-related activities. Janat has admitted to the charges and confessed to his involvement in corrupt activities,” the statement reads
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Involvement of more players
Furthermore, the ACB is investigating three additional players for similar match-fixing allegations, heightening concerns about corruption within the sport. The ACB faces the dual challenge of addressing these corruption issues while continuing to foster the growth and development of Afghan cricket.
“The ACB Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has revealed that three other players are also under suspicion for involvement in match-fixing, and investigations are underway. Decisions regarding their involvement will be made upon confirmation of their guilt. The ban on Ihsanullah Janat takes effect immediately with the release of this statement and will remain in place for the next five years,” the statement further added.
Career and statistics
Janat’s career began with a first-class debut against the Netherlands in July 2016, followed by his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in February 2017. His Test debut came against Ireland in March 2019, and his sole T20I appearance was against Zimbabwe in June 2022. Despite a promising start, including a notable first-class record of 1,568 runs at an average of 56, the five-year ban disrupts what could have been a flourishing career. Janat’s international statistics include 110 runs in Tests, 307 in ODIs, and 20 in T20Is.
