Ihsanullah’s Cricketing Journey Halted by Five-Year Ban
In a significant setback to Afghan cricket, top-order batsman Ihsanullah Janat has been handed a five-year ban from all cricket activities due to corrupt practices. This drastic action was taken after a detailed investigation by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) into allegations of corruption during the 2024 Kabul Premier League.
Corruption Charges and Immediate Consequences
The ACB declared that Ihsanullah was found guilty of breaching Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. This article addresses the grave issue of exerting improper influence or efforts to fix the outcome or other aspects of a cricket match. In response to these findings, the ACB stated, “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.”
Ongoing Investigations and Team Performance
The investigation that led to Ihsanullah’s ban also casts shadows over three other players, whose fates will be decided once their involvement is either confirmed or dismissed. The ACB remains vigilant and committed to upholding the integrity of the sport.
In the tournament under scrutiny, Ihsanullah represented Shamshad Eagles, where his performance was notably unimpressive—scoring 72 runs across four innings with an average of 18 and a strike rate of 150. His efforts were insufficient to steer his team away from the bottom of the league table, as Shamshad Eagles ended the competition with only one victory from five matches.
Ihsanullah’s International and Domestic Impact
Ihsanullah’s cricketing credentials extend beyond domestic leagues. Since making his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Harare in February 2017, he has featured in 20 international matches across all formats for Afghanistan. With 307 runs in ODIs at an average of 21.92, and having played three Tests and a single T20I, Ihsanullah’s international career has been modest. His last appearance for Afghanistan came in a T20I in June 2022, also against Zimbabwe, where he made a quick 20 from 14 balls.
A Family Rooted in Cricket
The ban on Ihsanullah not only affects his career but also casts a shadow over a family deeply entrenched in Afghan cricket. His brother, Nawroz Mangal, was a national stalwart, leading Afghanistan during crucial moments like their ascension to ODI status in the 2009 World Cup qualifiers and their 2010 T20 World Cup qualification. Nawroz’s leadership was instrumental in establishing Afghanistan on the global cricket map.
As this chapter closes harshly for Ihsanullah, the cricketing community reflects on the delicate balance between competition and integrity, underscoring the constant vigilance needed to preserve the spirit of the game.
