Afghanistan’s top-order batter, Ihsanullah Janat, has received a five-year ban from all cricket activities due to corruption, as announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday. The ban, effective immediately, stems from violations of the ACB’s and ICC’s anti-corruption codes during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League earlier this year.
“Ihsanullah Janat was found guilty of breaching Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, involving improper influence or attempts to fix the result, progress, conduct, or any aspect of a match,” the ACB stated. “In light of this violation, he has been handed a five-year ban from all cricket-related activities. Janat has admitted to the charges and confessed to his involvement in corrupt activities.”
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The ACB’s statement also mentioned the ongoing investigation of “three other players” for possible involvement in corruption. “Decisions regarding their involvement will be made upon confirmation of their guilt,” the ACB added.
Ihsanullah, 26, represented Shamshad Eagles in the Kabul Premier League 2024, scoring 72 runs in four innings at an average of 18 and a strike rate of 150. The team finished last in the six-team league with just one win from five games.
Internationally, Ihsanullah has played 20 matches for Afghanistan across all formats. Since his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Harare in February 2017, he has featured in 15 more ODIs, amassing 307 runs at an average of 21.92. Additionally, he has played in three Tests, scoring 110 runs at an average of 22.00, and one T20I, where he scored 20 runs off 14 balls. His last international appearance was in a T20I against Zimbabwe in June 2022 in Harare.
Ihsanullah hails from a cricketing family, with his brother Nawroz Mangal being one of Afghanistan’s cricket stalwarts. Nawroz captained the national team when they achieved ODI status at the 2009 World Cup qualifiers and led them to the 2010 T20 World Cup.
The ban on Ihsanullah Janat marks a significant step in the ACB’s efforts to maintain the integrity of cricket in Afghanistan.