KARACHI: Pakistan on Tuesday charged and suspended giant fast bowler Mohammad Irfan over allegations of spot-fixing during a recent Twenty20 league, in a case that has so far ensnared three other current or former national stars.
The widening scandal threatens to take some of the sheen off the recently completed Pakistan Super League (PSL), which was hailed as a step toward restoring international cricket in the terror-hit country after the final in Lahore passed without incident.
A guilty verdict for the players would prove disastrous for Pakistan cricket, which was last rocked by a match-fixing scandal in 2010 that deprived it of three top players including paceman Mohammad Amir, who has since made a comeback.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in furtherance to its investigation issued a Notice of Charge and provisionally suspended Irfan under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code,” the body said in a statement.
It added: “Irfan has been charged with two violations of the anti-corruption code and now has 14 days to respond to the Notice of Charge,” without giving further details.
“He has also been provisionally suspended with immediate effect from participating in all forms of cricket.”
Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, fellow members of the Islamabad United team that took part in the tournament, were also provisionally suspended and charged last month over meeting a man suspected of being linked to an international betting syndicate.
Former Pakistan opener Nasir Jamshed was also provisionally suspended on charges of being a “go between” in the spot-fixing incident. Jamshed and another unnamed person were arrested in Britain last month but were bailed until April.
The PCB, which has formed a three-member tribunal under retired judge Asghar Haider to probe the allegations, said the investigation would continue.
Irfan, 34, appeared before the anti-corruption unit of the PCB on Monday and confessed to being approached by a bookmaker about fixing matches in the past six months.
He admitted he failed to report the incidents because of the death of his father in September followed by his mother’s passing in January.
Irfan made headlines for his extraordinary height – seven-feet-one- inch or 216 centimeters — when he made his international debut in 2010 and stands as the tallest-ever player to feature in world cricket.
He has so far played four Tests and 20 Twenty20 internationals, but has achieved most success in his 60 one-day internationals where he has taken 83 wickets at an average of 30.71.
His stature makes him a dangerous bowler as each ball is released from a height rarely experienced by batsmen.
Born a farmer’s son in the small village of Gaggu Mandi, he said that in his younger days he was mocked by classmates and strangers because of his height.
Unable to make a breakthrough in the sport, he once made ends meet by working in a pipe factory, earning just 300 rupees ($3) a week, before being spotted by former first-class cricketer Nadeem Iqbal in a club match, and went on to make his first-class debut in 2009.
Pakistan suspends Mohammad Irfan in spot-fixing case
Pakistan suspends Mohammad Irfan in spot-fixing case
LIV Golf announces return to Korea in 2026
- Home favorites Korean Golf Club lead the field as Bryson DeChambeau and his Crushers GC team return to defend their LIV Golf Korea individual and team titles
BUSAN: LIV Golf today confirmed its return to Korea in 2026, with LIV Golf Korea set to be played at Asiad Country Club in Busan from May 28-31, 2026.
Marking a new chapter for the league in Asia, the 2026 event will introduce Asiad Country Club to the LIV Golf calendar in a multi-year agreement with the venue. Located in Korea’s second-largest city, the course has previously hosted international tournaments, including the BMW Ladies Championship and the 2002 Asian Games, and is regarded as one of the country’s finest championship venues.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, said, “Bringing LIV Golf back to Korea, and to Busan for the first time, is an important next step for the league and for our fans here. The appetite for LIV Golf continues to grow, and Asiad Country Club and the city of Busan give us a venue that meets our ambitions for the event, both competitively and culturally in Korea. We’re excited to build on the momentum from our debut last season and deliver another memorable week for Korean fans.”
Fans can join the waitlist now at LIVGolf.com to secure tickets for LIV Golf Korea 2026, with hospitality and grounds pass details to be announced soon. Fans are encouraged to join the waitlist early, with limited inventory available. Premium hospitality and corporate experiences will be available for purchase, alongside specialty-priced group tickets for parties of 10 or more. Children aged 12 and under will receive complimentary Grounds Pass admission (one per paying adult).
LIV Golf made its debut in Korea in 2025, where Bryson DeChambeau claimed the individual title and led his Crushers GC to a team victory, completing a memorable double sweep. DeChambeau will return in 2026 to defend his title against a world-class field featuring many of the biggest names in the game, including former Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim, who recently beat DeChambeau and Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm in dramatic fashion to claim the LIV Golf Adelaide individual title, his first professional win in nearly 16 years.
Home attention will center on Korean Golf Club, featuring an all-Korean lineup led by captain Byeong Hun An alongside Minkyu Kim, Younghan Song and Danny Lee. Formed in 2026, the team has already found momentum both on and off the course, securing domestic partners including HANWHA PLUS and apparel partner AMAZINGCRE. Backed by strong local support, Korean Golf Club brings its own distinct brand of K-golf to the LIV Golf league, reflecting the culture, energy and growing influence of the game in Korea around the world.
An, captain of Korean Golf Club, said: “Playing LIV Golf in Korea means a great deal to all of us. Competing at home, in front of Korean fans, brings a different level of pride. As a team, we’re excited to represent Korean golf on this stage and around the world, and we’re excited to show the energy, passion and competitiveness that define the way Korean Golf Club plays the game.”
A city known for its vibrant culture, energy, and iconic coastline, Busan will host LIV Golf for the first time, again expanding the league’s reach through its 14-event calendar taking place across 10 countries and five continents.
Park Heong-joon, mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, said, “We are proud to welcome the LIV Golf League back to Korea and to host the event in Busan for the first time this May. Bringing a global sporting event of this scale to our city reflects Busan’s growing role as an international destination for sport, culture and tourism. We look forward to welcoming players, fans and visitors from around the world and showcasing the hospitality of Busan.”
As with last year’s event, which featured headline music acts including G-Dragon and IVE, the LIV Golf Korea experience will extend beyond the course, combining world-class competition with live music and unrivalled off-course entertainment. Details of the full concert and entertainment program will be announced soon.
The announcement of LIV Golf Korea 2026 marks the final event to be unveiled for LIV Golf’s 2026 season. The global golf league will host 14 events across 10 countries and five continents during the 2026 season, including its first-ever event in South Africa (March 19–22), alongside stops in Saudi Arabia, Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Spain, the US, and the UK.
Notably, LIV Golf has already broken attendance records at LIV Golf Adelaide 2026, drawing more than 115,000 fans across the four-day tournament, including a single-day crowd exceeding 38,500 spectators, both new highs for the league and for professional golf events in Australia.
