ICC probes ‘suspicious activities’ in Zim Afro T10

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE International Cricket Council has launched a full-scale investigation into alleged suspicious activities that occurred during the recently concluded Zim Afro T10 League 2024.

The probe is focusing on a match between the Durban Wolves and the Harare Bolts.

According to reports, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is investigating certain overs in the match that were marked by an unusually high number of extras, including wides and no-balls.

These suspicious overs have drawn the attention of cricket officials, and several players and officials are currently being questioned.

One of the most notable incidents occurred during the sixth over, bowled by UAE pacer Kashif Daud, representing the Durban Wolves.

Daud’s over included seven wides and two no-balls, leading to a total of 20 runs being conceded in 14 deliveries.

This irregularity caught the attention of the ICC’s ACU as such an erratic performance is highly unusual at this level of the game.

Dawlat Zadran of Afghanistan contributed to the suspicion with a tricky ninth over in which he gave up 23 runs, including eight wides.

The focus of the inquiry has shifted to these two overs and another by captain Yasir Shah, who conceded 30 runs in a single over.

Pakistani journalist Saleem posted on social media platform X that several Pakistani players and officials were also questioned by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Khaliq’s post mentioned that a mobile phone had been confiscated as part of the investigations.

“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,” he posted.