“We are shocked at the revelation of match-fixing in Punjab Cup involving former nationally ranked player Imran Mughal and Muhammad Umer,” PBSA chief Alamgir Shaikh said. – File Photo

KARACHI: Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) on Monday expressed shock over match-fixing in Punjab Cup and vowed to take stern steps to punish such acts in the future.

“We are shocked at the revelation of match-fixing in Punjab Cup involving former nationally ranked player Imran Mughal and Muhammad Umer,” PBSA chief Alamgir Shaikh said.

“We've never heard of such a thing in our sport in the past. It is truly unbelievable. We would be taking all steps to see that it never happens again,” he said.

Commenting on Punjab Billiards and Snooker Association's decision, he said initially they imposed a three-year ban on Imran Mughal and Muhammad Umer but after an appeal curtailed it to one year.

While the exact details of the fix are unclear, initial reports suggested the players had reached an agreement on the outcome of their match prior to its start so they could get favourable draws in the next stages of the Punjab Cup.

The PBSA has promised harsh punishments for any players involved in any such acts in the future. – APP