Pakistan Cricket Agent Mughees Ahmed Sheikh Banned by ECB for Five Years

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended the registration of Mughees Ahmed Sheikh, a cricket agent who has represented several leading Pakistani players, after finding him guilty of multiple breaches of its Anti-Corruption Code.

The decision was issued by the ECB’s independent anti-corruption tribunal following an investigation into allegations that Sheikh offered a financial incentive to a professional county coach. The ECB stated that the conduct posed a threat to the integrity of cricket in England, Wales, and internationally.

Sheikh previously headed the International Cricketers Association (ICA), which has represented a significant number of Pakistan’s centrally contracted players. Among the cricketers who have been associated with the ICA are Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, and Imam-ul-Haq. Reports indicate that the ICA has also worked with former Pakistan internationals including Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, and Misbah-ul-Haq.

According to the ECB, Sheikh was found to have committed four breaches of the code. Details of the breaches have not been made public, but the governing body confirmed they involved an approach to a coach with an improper financial offer. The case came to light when the coach immediately reported the incident to the ECB’s anti-corruption unit. The board has praised the individual for cooperating fully with the investigation.

ECB Cricket Regulator Director Chris Howard said the suspension demonstrates the seriousness with which the board addresses breaches of its code. He emphasised that any attempt to influence player selection or match outcomes through financial inducements undermines the sport and will not be tolerated.

The tribunal’s decision means Sheikh is prohibited from acting as a registered agent in ECB-sanctioned cricket. The exact duration of the suspension was not disclosed in the available public statements.

Sheikh has denied any wrongdoing. In statements reported by some media outlets, he said he intended to challenge the findings, although no formal appeal process has yet been announced by the ECB. The cricket board has not commented on any potential legal action.

The case has drawn attention to the role of player agents and the importance of strict compliance with anti-corruption regulations. The ECB has reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the game and encouraged anyone approached with a corrupt offer to report it immediately.