Irfan banned, fined for role in PSL corruption

Fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been banned from cricket for a year by the Pakistan Cricket Board for his role in a corruption scandal that engulfed the country's T20 competition.

The tall quick pleaded for forgiveness and has strongly denied he was directly involved in any fixing or corrupt activity.

Irfan pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to report approaches from illegal bookmakers during this year's Pakistan Super League.

He was provisionally suspended by the country's national board earlier this month and today that was formally made a 12-month ban.

He can have six months of his ban suspended provided there is no other breaches of the anti-corruption code.

"I was approached twice and it was my mistake that I did not report it to PCB's anti-corruption unit," Irfan told reporters today.

"I admit my mistake for not reporting it to the ACU but I didn't get involved in any corrupt activity and gave a shut-up call to those who approached me.

"I ask the whole nation to forgive me if anyone is hurt by this mistake of mine. I hope you will forgive me."

The 34-year-old 215cm tall seam bowler was also fined one million Pakistan rupees (AUD$12,500). He must now participate in anti-corruption eduction programs, including lecture other cricketers on the pitfalls.

The ban will rule him out of the forthcoming Champions Trophy tournament in England, where Pakistan is scheduled to meet India in a crunch clash between the arch-rivals.

Irfan has played all three formats for his country, last appearing for Pakistan in a one-day international at Headingley in England in September.

Irfan was part of the the Islamabad United team that won the first edition of the PSL, and also featured in the 2017 tournament.

Two other internationals, Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif,were suspended last month as part of the same investigation. Both players are also with Islamabad United. Also under investigation are Shahzaib Hassan and Nasir Jamshed.