The Afghan batter Ihsanullah Janat received a 5-year ban from all types of cricket activities after being found guilty of breaching the anti-corruption code of the (ACB) and ICC (International Cricket Council). It seems that the younger brother of veteran Afghanistan cricketer Nawroz Mangal has to conclude his cricketing career by playing just 20 international matches.
The ACB stated that Janat violated the code of conduct during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League in June 2024.
Since his debut in 2017, the 26-year-old Afghan cricketer played only 3 Tests, 16 ODIs (One Day Internationals) and 1 T20 (Twenty20 Internationals). It was on June 14th, 2022, he played his last international match in a T20 format against Zimbabwe. As this long-term ban comes into effect instantly from the moment of the official statement’s release, it will remain for the next five years. It means that Ihsanullah won’t be able to represent his team till August 2029.
Moreover, Ihsanullah Janat admitted his crime of violating Article 2.1.1 of the Anti-Corruption Code, which involves an illegal attempt to change the outcome of a cricket match by unfair methods.
ACB’s Statement About Ihsanullah Janat’s Involvement in Corruption
Here’s the official statement from ACB stating Ihsanullah Janat’s contribution to corrupt activities:
“Yes! Ihsanullah Janat was caught guilty of breaching Article 2.1.1 of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code. It involves fixing the result, development, conduct, or any other crucial aspects of the match through illegal influence or efforts. As a result of this violation, he has been imposed a ban period of five years from all the activities related to cricket. Also, Janat has agreed to the charge and confessed his guilt of involving in fraudulent activities”, one of the ACB officials said in a statement.
Additional Three Players Under Suspicion
Furthermore, the ACB disclosed that the other three players are under surveillance for involving in match-fixing, while Ihsanullah Janat’s 5-year ban takes place with immediate effect:
“It’s a fact! The ACB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has reported other three cricketers who are under investigation for engaging in match-fixing and the inquiries are being carried out. Soon the decision will be made regarding the participation in match-fixing based upon the verification of their guilt. However, the ban on Ihsanullah Janat will take place immediately with the announcement of this statement and will continue for the next five years,” the ACB provided more information after the initial statement.
Ihsanullah Janat’s Performance in Kabul Premier League (KL 2024
In 4 matches, Ihsanullah Janat scored only 72 runs for his team Shamshad Eagles at the KPL 2024, which includes his best individual score of 29 runs against Kabul Knight Riders and Kabul Zalmi. His team concluded in the 6th position in the points table by winning just one out of five games.
Here are Janat’s scores against these teams in KPL 2024:
- 6 runs from 6 balls (including 1 four) vs Speenghar Warriors.
- 29 runs from 18 balls (including 6 fours) vs Kabul Knight Riders.
- 8 runs from 11 balls (including 2 fours) vs Band-e Amir Stars.
- 29 runs from 13 balls (including 5 fours and 1 six) vs Kabul Zalmi.
Ihsanullah Janat’s Ban: A Challenge for Afghanistan Cricket
Ihsanullah Janat’s 5-year ban highlights the present challenges faced by Afghanistan cricket in maintaining ethics and eradicating corruption. However, the ACB has taken a cautious approach to assessing and preventing corruption. Still, the involvement of several players in such activities gives rise to concerns about the high level of corruption in Afghan cricket.
Final Thoughts
Although the Afghanistan men’s cricket team has improved its performance on-field, the management is struggling to stay away from the off-field issues. Since the Taliban’s takeover in May 2021, there have been increased questions about the ban on the women’s cricket team in the country.
This issue has been a huge blow for Ihsanullah Janat as well as for the Afghanistan cricket team.
Moreover, the ACB should avoid causing any reliability issues for the KPL, which could affect the success rate of the franchise league.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the ACB and ICC must aim to strengthen to improve the anti-corruption measures. It is expected that the ACB would conclude its investigation with the other three players, thereby leading to further bans or disciplinary action depending upon their reports. Finally, the cricket community is waiting to witness if the activities of these players involved in spot-fixing impact could affect the reputation of Afghanistan cricket or not