Latif rejects fixing allegations, ready to face trial

LAHORE: Suspended right-hand batsman Khalid Latif has rejected all the fixing allegations against him and ready to face Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) trial.

Earlier today (Friday), Latif appeared before PCB’s tribunal, which has been setup to hear the alleged corruption charges against him and fellow suspended cricketer Sharjeel Khan.

According to Geo News, during the proceedings Latif’s counsel Badar Alam informed that his client has rejected all the allegations and decided to take the case to the trail.

The 31-year-old cricketer has been charged with breaches of Articles 2.1.1; 2.1.2; 2.1.3, 2.1.4; 2.4.4; and 2.4.5 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.

According to PCB’s press release, “the Tribunal in consultation with both parties agreed upon the procedure and timelines to be adopted under the Anti-Corruption Code. PCB shall submit its opening brief detailing its claims along with the evidence to be relied on by 14th April 2017.”

“Khalid Latif shall be provided an opportunity to respond by 5th May 2017 and PCB may, at its discretion, file a rebuttal by 10th May 2017. The Final Hearing shall commence from 19h May 2017 on a day to day basis,” quoted the press release.

“Since under the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code the proceedings are meant to be kept confidential, no comments will be made by any party or the Tribunal on the merits of the case.”

It is pertinent to mention here that, Latif was scheduled to appear before the tribunal along with fellow Islamabad United opener Sharjeel Khan last week, but did not appear citing health issues.