Pakistan fast bowler Asad Akhtar triggered controversy with an unusually long no-ball during a National T20 Cup match on March 14 in Peshawar.
Playing for Karachi Blues against Lahore Blues, Akhtar conceded 21 runs in a single over, including two wides and two no-balls. One of his no-balls showed his front foot landing far ahead of the crease, raising immediate suspicion on social media.
Fans and analysts compared the delivery to Mohammad Amir’s infamous no-ball in 2010 against England, which later became central to a spot-fixing scandal. The incident has revived memories of that controversy, especially after former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq recently recounted how the 2010 plot was uncovered.
Razzaq revealed on a television show that a London-based friend discovered incriminating messages on fixer Mazhar Majeed’s phone, exposing plans involving Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and Amir. He recalled how the then captain Shahid Afridi confronted Amir, who initially denied involvement, before Afridi slapped him in anger.
Akhtar’s no-ball has not been officially linked to wrongdoing, but the unusual over-step has fueled debate about integrity in Pakistan cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to comment on the incident.
