Melbourne: Former Pakistani first class fast bowler Muhammad Irfan Junior, currently playing club cricket in Victoria, has strongly denied allegations of ball tampering during a match last Sunday, 2 November, at Casey Cricket Ground. The fixture was played between Melbourne Cricket Club and Casey Cricket Club.
The case was brought before the Cricket Victoria Tribunal, where Irfan appeared and recorded his statement, stating he did nothing illegal and therefore had no reason to apologise.
According to Irfan, the incident occurred while he was fielding in the leg-side region. He stated that he simply picked up the ball and threw it back to the wicket keeper as normal.
“I did nothing wrong, so why should I apologise?” Irfan said in his appearance before the tribunal.
Sources close to the Casey Cricket Club have also questioned the strength of the allegation. It is understood that the umpire did not present video evidence, instead claiming to be an eye-witness. Team sources further suggested that the matter may have stemmed from a personal dispute, referencing another incident during the match where a clear caught-behind appeal was turned down. When a bowler reacted in frustration, sources allege the umpire took the response personally, which may have influenced the later accusation.
The Cricket Victoria Tribunal has imposed a five match ban on Irfan Junior. The suspension will end on 6 December, allowing him to rejoin Casey Cricket Club’s line-up from that date.
