Aftab Alam, the Afghanistan fast bowler, has been suspended from domestic and international cricket for one year for a code of conduct violation at the 2019 World Cup. His national contract also stands suspended for the mentioned period.
The decision came after an investigation by the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s disciplinary committee, following a decision taken at the board’s annual general meeting in Kabul last week.
Alam was withdrawn from the Afghanistan World Cup squad under “exceptional circumstances” – as announced by the ICC – on June 27. It later emerged that he was sent home following allegations of serious misbehavior with a female guest at the team hotel in Southampton.
Alam played his last game on June 22 in Afghanistan’s 11-run loss to India in Southampton, where the alleged incident of misbehavior is said to have taken place. He was subsequently suspended for two matches by head coach Phil Simmons for not being present at an ICC anti-corruption unit meeting on June 23. It later emerged that Alam was in London with a relative and returned to the hotel only later in the day.
The 26-year-old pacer also ran into trouble during the India-Pakistan game at Old Trafford on June 16, when he turned up at the game unannounced and requested VIP access for himself and his friends. Using his player’s accreditation pass, he made his way to one of the hospitality rooms and then refused to leave. When security was summoned, his friends left but Alam stayed. Eventually, however, he was removed.
In all, Alam featured in three of Afghanistan’s eight games, picking up four wickets.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo