ISLAMABAD: Sharjeel Khan is set to return to top-flight cricket by the end of the year. The update comes after he met the PCB and both parties agreed on a roadmap for his return following, for the first time since he was banned, Sharjeel offering an “unconditional apology” for “irresponsible conduct that brought embarrassment to everyone” and asking for forgiveness.
Sharjeel did not specifically address what he was apologising for, even evading repeated media enquiries on the matter after his statement had been submitted. But it appeared enough of an admission of guilt for the PCB, which announced that Sharjeel’s suspended sentence would be waived and he would undergo complete rehabilitation to allow him to reintegrate into the game.
“I offer my unconditional apology to the Pakistan Cricket Board, my team-mates, fans and family for the irresponsible conduct that brought embarrassment to everyone,” Sharjeel said in a statement. “I request for forgiveness and assure I will show more responsibility in my future actions.
“I remind all cricketers to strictly and religiously follow the PCB Anti-Corruption Code as breaching it will only earn momentary gains but the consequences will be severe and last for the rest of the career. I have agreed on the future course of action with the PCB, including helping it in its education sessions on anti-corruption. I will soon return to club cricket but will not rush into domestic cricket as I have been away for nearly 30 months and need time to reclaim my fitness and form.”
According to a PCB statement, the rehabilitation includes attending and delivering lectures on the PCB anti-corruption code, as well as visits to orphanages as part of his social responsibility, before he takes part in “integration sessions” with the national squad.
