Sydney, November 7: Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Irfan Junior has been banned for five matches in Australia’s Victoria Premier Cricket after being found guilty of ball tampering during a recent fixture.
According to reports in the Australian media, match umpires accused Irfan of deliberately altering the condition of the ball during play. A disciplinary tribunal later reviewed the incident and upheld the charge, resulting in a suspension spanning five matches.
The 6-foot-6 pacer, who once played in Pakistan’s domestic circuit and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has been representing Australian club sides in recent years. His strong showings in local competitions helped him secure a regular spot in domestic tournaments Down Under.
Irfan Jr’s cricket journey has been eventful. In 2020, he made headlines after announcing his retirement from cricket at age 25, citing repeated selection snubs in Pakistan’s domestic structure. Despite featuring in three PSL seasons for three different franchises, he claimed he was often overlooked in favour of younger players.
“They keep giving new boys a chance in the First XI while we remain stuck in the lower ranks. So, I’ve decided to leave cricket,” Irfan had said in a televised interview.
His decision prompted several senior cricketers, including Mohammad Hafeez, to urge him to reconsider, praising his talent and encouraging him to show resilience.
Following his departure from Pakistan’s domestic scene, Irfan signed a long-term deal with Western Suburbs District Cricket Club (WSDCC) in Australia and made Sydney his new base. Known for his unorthodox bowling action and kabaddi-style wicket celebrations, Irfan quickly became a familiar face in Australian club cricket.
However, the latest disciplinary action has once again put the spotlight on the fast bowler — this time for the wrong reasons.
