The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have announced that opener Ashfaq Ahmed has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect, as the investigation by the ICC’s anti-corruption unit continues.

The 34-year-old is now the fourth UAE player to be suspended in recent days – alongside former skipper Mohammed Naveed, Qadeer Ahmed Khan and Shaiman Anwar Butt – though no formal charges have yet been brought against Ashfaq by the ICC.

Naveed, Qadeer and Butt had been provisionally suspended by the ICC after being collectively charged with multiple violations of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Ashfaq’s suspension, however, has solely been issued by the ECB. The 34-year-old was part of UAE’s playing XI in last week’s 2020 T20 World Cup Qualifier clashes against Oman and Ireland but was dropped from the squad altogether for Monday’s win over Hong Kong.

“Further to the ongoing investigations led by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, Emirates Cricket Board has today provisionally suspended Ashfaq Ahmed with immediate effect,” an ECB statement read.

“No formal charges have been laid against the player, and the Board will wait for the conclusion of proceedings before making any further comment.

“The Board fully supports the ICC and the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in their efforts and denounces any activities of corruption. Emirates Cricket’s immediate focus remains firmly on the ICC World T20 Qualifiers.”

The UAE are slated to next take on Jersey in their Qualifier clash on Tuesday, with the side so far attaining two wins from three matches in Group B.