The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to investigate a case involving a UK-based Pakistani agent who has been suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching its anti-corruption code. The agent, Mugees Ahmad Sheikh, and his company, International Cricketers Association (ICA), previously represented 18-20 centrally contracted Pakistani players.
Sheikh, registered as a player agent with the ECB, had his registration suspended following an investigation by cricket regulators. An independent anti-corruption tribunal found him guilty of four violations of the ECB’s anti-corruption code. He allegedly attempted to bribe an English coach to secure playing opportunities for his players, but the coach reported the incident to the ECB.
Among the Pakistani players represented by ICA were Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Hurraira, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Maqeem, and Tayyab Tahir. Additionally, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Usama Mir were associated with the company on a short-term basis.
Following the case’s emergence, PCB sources revealed that players were advised to reconsider their association with Sheikh and ICA, with some already disassociating themselves. The PCB is now reviewing its approval process for player agents, aiming to implement stricter requirements. “Cricket has changed, and with so many T20 and T10 leagues and endorsement opportunities available, all players have their agents to look after their best business interests. The PCB will now change and tighten its procedure before approving the registration of any agent,” a PCB source stated, according to Deccan Herald.
This incident has drawn parallels to the infamous 2010 spot-fixing scandal involving UK-based Pakistani agent Mazhar Majeed. Majeed was at the center of a controversy during Pakistan’s tour of England, which led to former captain Salman Butt and pacers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir being banned and serving jail time. It was later revealed that Majeed had close ties with several senior Pakistani players and helped them secure contracts in the UK.
Currently, senior Pakistani cricketers like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are represented by Saya Corporation. The company’s links to former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq led to his resignation as chief selector in 2023.
