Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif suspended on corruption charges

Pakistan openers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif have been suspended by PCB over corruption charges by PCB's Anti-Corruption Code for what PCB describes as “an ongoing investigation into an international syndicate which is believed to be attempting to corrupt the Pakistan Super League”.

Khalid Latif (L) and Sharjeel Khan (R) have represented Pakistan in 18 and 41 matches respectively (AP)

Both Islamabad United players will no longer take part in the current edition of Pakistan Super League being played in Dubai. “We will not tolerate any form of corrupt activity and as this investigation proceeds, we will not hesitate to take further decisive action as appropriate. Najam Sethi, the Pakistan Super League chairman, said.“The investigation of the PCB Anti-Corruption Unit backed by the ICC ACU has been effective in dealing with this case to date and we will continue to work in the closest collaboration as the investigation proceeds. We are all absolutely committed to relentlessly pursuing anyone who would seek to damage the integrity of our sport.” He added.

The move has received major criticism from former players. Former Test captain Javed Miandad said the latest corruption scandal had again damaged the image of Pakistan cricket. He voiced his opinion saying that "Only the Board is to blame for this mess. In a population of 20 million people, the Board insisted on recalling Muhammad Aamir to the national side as if they were no other talent available in the country," Miandad said. "When you set such examples what do you expect from other players,"

Pakistan who had the former greats divided on the board's decision to give tainted left-arm quick Mohammad Amir a place in the national side after serving a ban for spot-fixing a Test match at Lords in 2010 has been accused of showing leniency about the corruption.

Former Test captain Aamir Sohail and former Test opener Shoaib Muhammad also slammed the board for showing their weakness in dealing with corrupt players by allowing Aamir back into the national fold.

The dates and further proceedings about the issue is still not made public. Khan, 27, and Latif, 31, have represented Pakistan in 41 and 18 matches respectively.