Sohail Tanvir warns players of likely approaches from corrupt elements.

Byline: Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI -- All-rounder Sohail Tanvir has warned his fellow Pakistan players to watch out for bookies and corrupt elements approaching them in the present circumstances due to the excessive use of social media.

Talking to a group of journalists in a video conference, the left-arm seamer, however, categorically denied receiving any such offers in his career spanning over a decade.

'I think attacks [corrupt approaches] on players will increase in the confined environment through social media platform,' said Sohail. 'However, they must respond as per the prescribed anti-corruption guidelines. I am sure the authorities are also aware of this threat.'

Sohail, who regularly features in T20 leagues around the world, said: 'They [bookies] study the players before luring them in and since my stance has been very firm and clear against this 'fixing' menace, I have never been approached for foul practices,' he said.

Sohail, 36, has scored 2267 runs and captured 351 wickets in the 336 T20 matches he has appeared so far in his career that include his stints in the T20 leagues around the world.

On the Pakistan squad for the England series, Sohail said his name was considered but it was not in his destiny to get selected for the trip.

'The selection committee seems to be inclined towards younger players but I believe age is just a number, performance and fitness should be of top priority. Young bowlers need senior teammates along side them to learn better in difficult times,' he observed. 'Performances in domestic tournaments should be respected otherwise players will get very disheartened.'

Sohail is of the view that 'talented' Haider Ali has been picked up a bit early. 'He [Haider Ali] performed very well in the recent domestic events and I have no doubt in his abilities. However, players...