Afghanistan’s top-order batter Ihsanullah Janat has been handed a five-year ban for indulging in corruption during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League (KPL), the country's cricket board confirmed on Wednesday (August 7)

Janat was found guilty of breaching Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, which involves improper influence or efforts to fix the result, progress, conduct, or any other aspect of a match.

"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," ACB said in a statement.

The five-year ban takes effect immediately and will remain in place for the next five years.

It also said the ACB Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has revealed that three other players are also under suspicion for involvement in match-fixing, and investigations are underway. Decisions regarding their involvement will be made upon confirmation of their guilt.

Ihsanullah Janat made his first-class debut for Afghanistan against the Netherlands in the ICC Intercontinental Cup on July 29, 2016.

He has represented Afghanistan in three Tests, 16 ODIs and one T20I so far, scoring a total of 437 runs across formats. His last international appearance was in 2022 during a T20I series against Zimbabwe.

(With IANS Inputs)