Prominent Pakistani Agent Receives 5-Year ECB Ban for Corrupt Approach

Pakistan Cricket Team players, along with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), have been in the news for the last few days. Apart from the developments related to the Asia Cup 2025, the players and the board have come under scrutiny for their off-field antics.
Recently, one of the talented youngsters of the team, Haider Ali, who was with the Pakistan Shaheens team in the United Kingdom, was arrested after he was accused of raping a minor. The right-hander was immediately suspended by the cricketing board of his country, with many fans lashing out at him for his antics. Ali's actions have also caused irreparable damage to the reputation of one of the best cricket teams in the world.
While PCB still has to deal with the issue surrounding Haider Ali, a fresh development has taken place. A Pakistani cricket agent, Moghees Ahmed, who represents several prominent players, has found himself in the middle of a controversy, which could probably ruin his career.

Pakistani Cricket Agent Banned by ECB For Corruption in County Cricket

As per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that England's Cricket Regulator has banned Moghees Ahmed for five years from "any cricket-related activity" that falls under the ECB's jurisdiction. This comes after he was found guilty of corruption charges.

It is reported that Moghees Ahmed approached one of the head coaches of the county team for corruption. However, he was caught and now will have to serve a minimum of 30 months of his suspension, which probably tarnishes his image in England's domestic circuit.

The Cricket Regulator, in March, stated that Moghees Ahmed came up with the deal for the head coach of the county team, wherein the coach of the team would get the commission in exchange for selecting certain players he represents in franchise leagues.

However, the coach, being honest, reported the matter to the Cricket Regulator on the same day, and the tribunal was satisfied that it had been made. Ahmed reportedly breached four charges of the ECB's anti-corruption code and had his registration to act as an agent suspended.

His ban will start from March 26, 2025, and the 60-month ban period will see him serving a full ban in the first 30 months. The other 30 months will depend on the condition of no further offences and the completion of an anti-corruption education programme.

Chris Haward, the director of the Cricket Regulator, confirmed about Moghees Ahmed's act, saying that his corruption deal would've seriously affected the integrity of cricket in England. He also added that the lengthy ban on Ahmed reflects the seriousness of his act, highlighting that there's no room for corruption. Speaking in an official statement, he said:

“Moghees Ahmed sought to engage a professional county coach in a corrupt scheme which would have had serious consequences for the integrity of cricket in England and Wales and beyond. This lengthy ban rightly reflects the seriousness of the conspiracy that Ahmed sought to embark upon.”

As for the Haider Ali case, the cricketer is reportedly out on bail. Ali's career with Pakistan never took off as he played a mere 37 matches for them. While he had the potential to become one of the best cricketers in the world, Ali squandered every opportunity that came his way and now finds himself in deep water.

Allegations Denied After ECB Bans Pakistan Agent

On the other hand, Moghees Ahmed didn’t agree with what the Cricket Regulator said about him. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he "categorically denies all allegations" and said that he "rejects the decisions of the ECB tribunal". Not only this, Moghees is also considering legal options to challenge the decision.

With the Pakistani cricket agent banned from serving his duties, the ECB have made a massive statement around corruption in professional cricket. As the ECB bans Pakistan agent, other illegal practitioners will be on the watch. It will help them significantly regulate the illegal practices in cricket.