Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Irfan Junior has been handed a five-match suspension for ball tampering during a Victoria Premier Cricket match in Australia.
According to Australian media reports, umpires accused Irfan of deliberately altering the condition of the ball.
A disciplinary tribunal later reviewed the incident and confirmed the charge, resulting in his ban.
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Irfan, who currently plays in Australia’s domestic circuit, has previously represented several franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and competed in Pakistan’s first-class cricket.
The 6’6” pacer moved to Australia a few years ago to pursue opportunities in local club cricket, where his strong performances earned him a place in domestic competitions.
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Back in 2020, Irfan, known for his distinctive bowling action and kabaddi-style celebrations, announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 25 after being overlooked for Southern Punjab’s First XI.
Despite playing in three PSL editions for three different teams, he was only offered a Second XI spot, which prompted his decision to quit.
“They are playing new boys in the First XI and we are still in the lower eleven so it’s better that …. I have decided to leave all forms of cricket,” Irfan had said in an interview with a TV channel.
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Following his announcement, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez encouraged him to reconsider, advising the young pacer to stay patient and persistent.
Later, Irfan signed with the Western Suburbs District Cricket Club (WSDCC) in Australia, which described his move as a “long-term arrangement.”
He has since settled in Sydney, continuing his cricketing journey abroad.
