Naved Arif: ECB bans ex-Sussex & Pakistan A cricketer for life

Naved Arif signed for Sussex in 2011 and played for two seasons

Seam bowler Naved Arif has been banned from cricket for life, a month after he was charged with match-fixing by the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB].

Arif, 32, admitted six breaches of the ECB anti-corruption code in relation to when he was playing for Sussex in 2011.

"Today's announcement sends out a very clear message that the ECB has a zero tolerance approach to corruption," said ECB chief executive David Collier.

"It will root out and punish those who pose a threat to the game's integrity."

Sussex chief executive Zac Toumazi told BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "It closes one very unfortunate chapter. It's been awful for everyone."

The Sussex match under scrutiny was a 40-over game at Hove in August 2011, which Kent won by 14 runs.

Pakistan-born Arif played for Sussex in 2011 and 2012, qualifying as a non-overseas player through his Danish wife, and represented Pakistan A, but never featured at full international level.

The ban prevents Arif from playing, coaching or participating in any form of cricket which is recognised or sanctioned by the ECB, the International Cricket Council or any other national cricket federation.

Arif expressed his regret and apologised for his actions in a statement through his lawyers.

"He is deeply ashamed of his actions and, consequently, bringing the game of cricket into disrepute," the statement read. "These actions were unacceptable and Mr Arif has no excuses."

Arif's former Sussex team-mate, Lou Vincent, was also charged last month with 14 offences under the anti-corruption code.

Vincent's charges arose from the same CB40 game against Kent, and a Twenty20 contest against Lancashire in the same month.

The 35-year-old former New Zealand Test batsman is reported to have provided evidence to the ICC of fixing involving 12 matches around the world between 2008 and 2012.

He has since agreed to co-operate with the game's authorities.