Former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has opened up about his long-standing friendship with former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, dressing-room politics and allegations of betting and match-fixing in Pakistani cricket in his new autobiography.
According to BBC Urdu, Nawaz’s autobiography is set to be launched at Lord’s in London on September 25. The former fast bowler said the approximately 100-page book covers several controversies and behind-the-scenes events from his career in cricket.
Cricket betting and corruption
Speaking to BBC Urdu in London, Nawaz said his book discusses how some players allegedly worked against one another, attempts were made to remove captains and how betting gradually became a part of Pakistani cricket.
He also referred to the report prepared under the leadership of Justice Fakir Muhammad Yousuf, the Justice Malik Muhammad Qayyum Commission, and allegations that emerged against former captains and other individuals.
Nawaz, who has spoken publicly about alleged corruption in cricket for decades, claimed that he received serious threats because of his stance against betting.
According to Nawaz, he was warned that he could be killed if he continued speaking about the issue. He said he filed FIRs in 2010 and 2017 over the threats and allegations.
The former cricketer also claimed that he wrote letters to the prime minister, president, chief justice and army chief, urging action over alleged corruption in cricket.
Nawaz further said that while living in London, he met Britain’s National Crime Agency twice and received special security monitoring.
Sarfraz Nawaz and Imran Khan’s friendship
Nawaz also discussed his close friendship with Imran Khan, saying the two played together for Pakistan after Khan returned to international cricket in 1974 and continued playing together until 1984.
He described Khan as an intelligent cricketer and said he had great confidence in him on the field. Nawaz characterised their friendship as extremely close, saying there was not even a “needle’s width” of distance between them.
Sharjah betting allegations and 2001 inquiry
Nawaz also discussed alleged betting activity in Sharjah and said the International Cricket Council investigated the matter in the early 2000s.
He said his book contains details of the inquiry and its findings. In his account, the investigation took place around 2001 or 2003, although Nawaz’s references to the year differ in his interviews.
He also referred to the 2010-11 spot-fixing scandal, mentioning former Pakistan players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, who were convicted and sentenced to prison in connection with the case.
Sarfraz Nawaz’s cricket career
Nawaz represented Pakistan from 1969 to 1984, playing 55 Test matches and taking 177 wickets. He also played 45 One-Day Internationals, claiming 63 wickets.
He is widely associated with the development of reverse swing and has long been recognised as one of Pakistan’s prominent fast bowlers.
Nawaz recalled playing street cricket with friends in Lahore’s Mazang area during his childhood. He later became involved in his father’s construction business, but said the 1965 India-Pakistan war affected construction funding and prompted him to pursue cricket more seriously.
He said his cricketing ability eventually helped him gain admission to Government College Lahore, where he continued developing his career.
Sarfraz Nawaz’s entry into politics
After retiring from Test cricket in 1984, Nawaz also entered politics. He has been associated with different political parties over the years, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
Nawaz said he announced his retirement from cricket in Lahore’s old Anarkali area after his final Test, in which he claimed seven wickets and scored 90 runs in an innings.
He said he entered politics partly because he believed there was considerable injustice in cricket. His intention, according to his account, was to win an election and eventually secure a senior position in the cricket board.
However, he said he became disappointed with his experience in politics.
