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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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			<title>More major carmakers caught in headlights of VW engine-rigging scandal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1089800/more-major-carmakers-caught-in-headlights-of-vw-engine-rigging-scandal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1089800/more-major-carmakers-caught-in-headlights-of-vw-engine-rigging-scandal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 16 09:31:17 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[afp]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Reports suggest the group might pay more than $18 billion in provisions to cover possible regulatory fines]]>
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				<![CDATA[Major names in the auto industry found themselves caught in headlights of a global engine-rigging scandal on Friday as the Volkswagen supervisory board totted up the costs for the embattled German car giant.

As VW's supervisory board met to approve the carmaker's 2015 accounts, newspaper reports suggested the group may set aside more than 16 billion euros ($18 billion) in provisions to cover possible regulatory fines, lawsuits and the cost of recalling or replacing the suspect engines.

VW was already forced to postpone publication of its full-year results in the wake of the scandal that erupted in September, when it came to light the German group had installed so-called "defeat devices" into 11 million diesel engines worldwide.

This sophisticated software deliberately skews emissions readings when vehicles are undergoing tests.

Mitsubishi Motors shares crash again on fuel-cheat scandal

Any news from Wolfsburg, where Volkswagen is headquartered, is expected to cap a dramatic week for the global automobile sector, where two other big names -- Daimler and Mitsubishi -- similarly found themselves accused of possibly cheating on engine readings.

Late on Thursday, Daimler -- owner of Mercedes-Benz -- announced that it was launching an internal investigation, "into its certification process related to exhaust emissions in the United States upon the request of the US Department of Justice (DOJ)."

Daimler insisted it was "cooperating fully with the authorities."

"Daimler will consequently investigate possible indications of irregularities and of course take all necessary actions," it said in a short statement, which sent its shares into a tailspin on the Frankfurt stock exchange on Friday.

And in Asia, Mitsubishi Motors suffered a disastrous week that has seen its shares plunge more than 40 percent after its shock admission that it also cheated, on fuel-efficiency tests.

The transport ministry sent officials to raid a company research and development centre for a second day on Friday, a ministry official told AFP.

Mitsubishi said it would halt production and sales of the affected models -- mini-cars sold in Japan including many made for rival Nissan -- and warned that the number would likely rise, as it looks to vehicles sold overseas.

And on Thursday, France's biggest automaker PSA Group said its premises had been raided by the country's anti-fraud squad as part of a government probe into emissions after "anomalies" were found in three vehicles.

Automaker Mitsubishi dives 15% on faulty emission tests

For its part, VW reached an agreement with US regulators to offer US owners of some 480,000 illegally polluting diesel cars options of "substantial compensation" and to fix the cars, or to buy them back.

The German giant had faced a court deadline for solutions to the emissions scandal and San Francisco district court judge Charles Breyer said the agreement in principle would give owners of its 2.0 liter diesel cars choices for compensation which also included cancelling the contracts for those under lease.

The offer, which will likely cost Volkswagen billions of dollars, also included creation of a fund for environmental protection, the company said at a court hearing.

Details of the proposal between Volkswagen USA, the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency were not immediately released.

But it appeared to be enough to allow Volkswagen to avert a huge trial over how it would deal with the scandal that has already deeply damaged the company.

The so-called "dieselgate" scandal led to the departure of VW's chief executive Martin Winterkorn has already set aside six billion euros in provisions, but the final sum is expected to be much higher.

The German giant, which has abandoned its ambitions of becoming the world's biggest carmaker ahead of Toyota in the wake of the scandal, has already started recalling some eight million vehicles affected in Europe.

The scandal has greatly tarnished the reputation of a company once regarded as a paragon of German industry, even if group unit sales already seem to have stabilised.

The recall operation in Europe is expected to take all year. And while VW is footing the bill, it is not expecting to have to pay European owners compensation, much to the chagrin of consumer protection groups.

It was the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that originally broke the scandal.

And negotiations with the US authorities have proven much tougher than in Europe.

Another bone of contention in Germany recently has been the question whether VW's top executives should be entitled to their normally very generous annual bonuses in the wake of the scandal.]]>
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			<title>Amir ought to have come clean sooner: Afridi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/254728/amir-ought-to-have-come-clean-sooner-afridi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/254728/amir-ought-to-have-come-clean-sooner-afridi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Sep 11 19:43:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=254728</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Afridi said that it remains to be seen who had entrapped Amir into committing spot-fixing.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former Pakistan cricket captain, Shahid Khan Afridi says that Mohammad Amir ought to have come clean sooner about his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal which has embroiled the young fast bowler along with two other Pakistani cricketers for over a year.

Mohammad Amir, a young and upcoming prospect for Pakistani cricket had found himself in the midst of a spot-fixing scandal last year when he was on tour with the Pakistan national team. A sting by the now defunct News of the World news papers showed a bookie taking money from an undercover reporter for having certain bowlers in the Pakistan ranks deliberately bowling no-balls on pre-specified deliveries. Amir, along with other accuses, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt had for long pleaded innocence. However, Amir came clean during a court hearing on Wednesday, submitting a written statement confessing to the charges labelled against him.

Afridi, who himself has faced controversy in cricket after being found guilty of biting down on a ball in February 2010 with a swift two T20 match ban. Afridi had already been in strife for ball tampering, suspended for one Test and two one-dayers in 2005.

Afridi further said that it remains to be seen who had entrapped Amir into committing this act and who all were his accomplices.

Afridi went on to talk about his own career, saying that he could not continue playing under the coach (Waqar Younis) who had been giving the former skipper problems. Though, Afridi maintained that conditions had since (his departure from the team) improved and he wished to continue playing cricket.

He also congratulated the Pakistan cricket team on their success in Zimbabwe.

Razzaq agrees with Afridi

Pakistan cricket all-rounder Abdul Razzaq echoed the sentiments of Afridi saying that Amir ought to have confessed his involvement much earlier.

Razzaq said that it is now up to the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board to decide what punishment Amir would have to face for his actions.]]>
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			<title>The intolerable stench of betrayal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/254449/the-intolerable-stench-of-betrayal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/254449/the-intolerable-stench-of-betrayal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Sep 11 16:21:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[faras.ghani]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=254449</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Amir had promised honesty, integrity, plans to get hitched  early to avoid controversies, and a bright career.]]>
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				<![CDATA[For just over 12 months, there loomed an iota of injustice, a passing thought that may deem Mohammad Amir an innocent bystander dragged into the controversy to tarnish his swift ascent to stardom.

There was a chance that maybe the innocence that used to drip off his face, surround his fragile frame and come roaring out with the repeated grins, had grounds to it. The expression, the ebullience, the sweet smell of determination and audacity that belied his age reeked of betrayal last year when the crimes were reported. It became intolerable as the details came to light, the bans came into effect and the court got involved. Now the smell is excruciating.

There were charges, denials, hearings, appeals, bans, rebuttals followed by the trio adamantly pleading innocence, sharing plans to head wherever it takes to clear their name of a crime they, supposedly, had not committed.

Invited as experts during the World Cup, representing the society on Eid and wandering about Hyde Park unperturbed, as if the nation still idolises them — and many do — Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif oozed tranquillity and an eerie sort of calmness, one that is often witnessed before the storm.

Amir’s confession — confirmed by those who told him not to do such a thing — delivered the blow.

Though the time it took him to take that step — and the conditions offered to him to own up are still at large — is beyond comprehension, it depicts the sorry state of our society and the legal advice he sought. The power of denial in front of fans, family and supporters, betraying the trust of a nation, was at its best display. The admission of guilt shunned shamelessly, and with utmost ease, until the end neared and the repercussions loomed glaringly in the line of vision.

Perhaps the admission came with leniency in mind. Maybe it was forced upon by a conscience that drove him to yearn an honest living in his early days. It could be the result of a change in lawyers. He is believed to have said that he was coerced into over-stepping and did not commit to the stretch out of greed. He has also believed to have, following the bans, acted out of expert advice given to him: to deny the truth.

Amir is a smart cricketer, perhaps too smart for his age. For a teenager who would over-rule his captain even with field placements, watching a career get ruined by the ‘advice’ forced upon him — by Butt or his lawyers — is stupid. Coming off the blocks was a career that threatened records, awards and the deity that is Wasim Akram, the sprint, catapulted by a winner’s medal in his maiden appearance for Pakistan — the 2009 World Twenty20 — faced a premature end, forced out of steam by his ‘well-wishers’.

How this affects the remaining duo will be made clear shortly. The investigations are still ongoing. The verdict, however, has been long delivered.

On the eve of the Pakistan-India duel in the 2009 Champions Trophy, beaming as it was chaand raat in the lobby of a Johannesburg hotel, Amir promised honesty, integrity and plans to get hitched early to avoid controversies. Of course, everyone makes mistakes, even gifted individuals. The key is to be able to start afresh.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Spot-fixing trial: Amir finally plays with straight bat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/253816/muhammad-amir-bookie-majeed-confess-to-spot-fixing-in-court</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/253816/muhammad-amir-bookie-majeed-confess-to-spot-fixing-in-court#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Sep 11 05:15:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=253816</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Confesses to bowling deliberate no-balls during Test match in England.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In a startling revelation, over a year after the spot-fixing scandal broke, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Amir has confessed to bowling deliberate no-balls during a Test match in England. The man accused of setting up the deal, Mazher Majeed, also pleaded guilty.

Amir submitted his written confession in Southwark Crown Court, London, through his British lawyer Gareth Pierce’s firm Birnberg Peirce &amp; Partners. An official confirmed that the statement maintained that Amir was coerced into his actions, rather than acting out of greed. An official from Birnberg Peirce &amp; Partners, when contacted by The Express Tribune, refused to comment further.

Former captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif are also accused of involvement, though their statements are yet to be heard. The three players and Majeed are being tried by Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Having finally changed his line, Amir may be hoping to reduce the length of a possible prison sentence. The three players are charged on two counts. Firstly, with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments, which falls under the 1906 Corruption Act, and carries a maximum sentence of seven years. They are also charged with conspiracy to cheat, under the 2005 Gambling Act, which carries a two-year maximum sentence.

Details are yet to emerge on the strategy behind Amir’s move. The three players maintained their innocence during hearings conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Doha in February, only to be found guilty of breaching the ICC’s corruption laws. Amir was banned from all forms of cricket for five years, Asif for seven, and Butt for ten.

The ongoing hearings are part of a criminal case, however, and therefore the prospect of jail, rather than their cricket careers, is at stake. Amir may have been offered a plea bargain. His sentence will now almost certainly be less than it would have been had he pleaded innocence and subsequently been found guilty. It is yet to be seen if Butt and Asif, due to appear in court on October 4, follow suit. While Butt was unreachable, Asif told The Express Tribune that he was “unable to comment since the case is in court.”

The confession is always appreciated by the court, especially in the UK,” a legal expert told The Express Tribune. “Butt and Asif have pleaded not guilty but after Amir’s confession, it has been proved that a crime was committed. The only thing left in the case is to assess the role of each player in the crime.”

The three players were the subjects of a ‘sting’ by The News of the World, a British tabloid, during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010.

The newspaper revealed video footage of Majeed, who acts as a sports agent among other business ventures, accepting a bribe of £140,000 from journalists pretending to be gamblers. In the tapes, Majeed clearly stated that certain deliveries during Pakistan’s fielding performance would be no-balls.

This information could then be used by gamblers for spot-betting, which is when bets are placed on particular incidents in a match rather than the ultimate outcome.

Amir and Asif, with captain Butt overseeing their movements, delivered no-balls on the deliveries predicted by Majeed in the recorded videos. The newspaper’s evidence seemed comprehensive and damning. Having been passed on to Scotland Yard, who conducted its own further investigations, the players appeared to have no case, a verdict echoed by the ICC. Having lost a significant part of his cricketing career, it appears Amir and his legal team are now, if somewhat belatedly, set on damage limitation.

A CPS spokesperson did confirm to The Express Tribune that the court may take up to three weeks to deliver its verdict on the case next month.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th,  2011.


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[poll id="502"]]]>
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			<title>PCB defends handling of spot-fixing</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/246178/pcb-defends-handling-of-spot-fixing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/246178/pcb-defends-handling-of-spot-fixing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 11 04:59:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=246178</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PCB says it did everything it could to defend the players, including hiring top British lawyers.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan's cricket authorities on Monday defended their handling of the spot-fixing scandal last year which led to three Test players being given lengthy bans from the game.

In August 2010, Britain's now-defunct News of the World tabloid alleged captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif had arranged deliberate no-balls for money from an agent during the Lord's Test against England.

The case rocked Pakistan cricket and led to Butt being banned for 10 years, with five suspended, Asif for seven with two suspended and Aamer for five. The trio also faced criminal proceedings in London.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday rejected allegations from Asif that it had failed to handle the case properly.

"PCB notes with deep regret that an attempt is being made through the media that PCB failed in its duty to protect the three cricketers who were accused of spot-fixing," said a release, referring to claims Asif made in a television interview last week.

The PCB said it did everything it could to defend the players, hiring top British lawyers and sending a legal adviser to accompany them to the police station.

"Therefore the bald allegation by Mohammad Asif of falsely accusing PCB of dereliction of duty is incorrect and an afterthought," the release said.

Since the spot-fixing case, the ICC has forced Pakistan to take stern measures to stamp out graft, including anti-corruption clauses in players' contracts and checking players' assets at regular intervals.]]>
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			<title>Spot-fixing saga still dogs Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/241631/spot-fixing-saga-still-dogs-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/241631/spot-fixing-saga-still-dogs-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 11 07:36:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=241631</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A year on from the scandal that ended in long bans for 3 players, Pakistani cricket still struggling to recover.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A year on from the spot-fixing scandal that ended in long bans for three leading Test players, Pakistani cricket is still struggling to recover.

In late August 2010, Britain's now-defunct News of the World tabloid alleged that captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif had arranged deliberate no-balls for money from an agent during the Lord's Test against England.

"We were settling in the hotel after coming from the third day's play when police raided the team hotel, showed us documentation and searched the rooms of the players," then-team manager Yawar Saeed told AFP.

"It was earth-shattering and I couldn't believe my ears for the first 20 minutes."

Pakistan lost the match by an innings and 225 runs the following day as a visibly upset Butt tried his best to hide his shock, and the claims of spot-fixing at the spiritual home of cricket shook the game around the world.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pulled the trio from the one-day series which followed and Scotland Yard investigated the players before they were allowed to return home on condition they would return for criminal proceedings.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) went on to suspend them and an anti-corruption tribunal led by senior lawyer Michael Beloff heard their case in Doha in January and February this year.

Butt was given a ten-year ban with five years suspended, Asif seven years with two years suspended and Amir a flat five-year ban, effectively meaning all three will be out of action for five years.

The gifted Amir is still only 19 and could yet make a return to the game, but Butt and Asif will be into their 30s by the time their bans expire, and their international careers appear to be over.

Pakistan have not fared badly since the England tour, drawing a Test series against a strong South Africa side, beating New Zealand away and reaching the semi-final of the World Cup.

But Saeed said Pakistan was still feeling the loss of three star players who could have led the side into the future.

"In Salman we had a young captain who in his first Test as leader defeated Australia and then in Amir we had a world-class fast bowler who even in his early days was lethal," said Saeed, who quit his post after the scandal-hit tour.

"I still feel they were set up but the fault lies with them and it seems they did it for temporary monetary gains. Even today it's hair-raising when I remember that incident," said Saeed, who refused to accept the management could have done anything to prevent what happened.

"We barred their agents coming into their hotel rooms but we couldn't stop them from talking to someone on the phone. Had we known, we would have taken every possible step."

Forced by the ICC, the PCB took measures to prevent a repeat in the future, forming an "integrity committee" to look into players' assets and adding stringent clauses on match-fixing to players' central contracts.

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt admitted the loss of three key players had been devastating for a cricket-mad country where the game is often a unifying force in adversity.

"Losing three players hurt us badly," said Butt. "Salman had shown great potential as captain but after that case we had to look around for a permanent captain and it was tough."

The side suffered yet another blow earlier this month with the surprise resignation of coach Waqar Younis, who stepped down after less than 18 months in charge, citing "personal grounds".

Captain Misbahul Haq has said the side wants to give Waqar a fitting send-off with a successful Test and one-day international tour of Zimbabwe.

Pakistan have sent a new-look side to the African nation and their fans will hope they bring back brighter hopes for the future.]]>
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			<title>Cricket: Court dismisses banned trio’s appeal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/213835/cricket-court-dismisses-banned-trio%e2%80%99s-appeal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/213835/cricket-court-dismisses-banned-trio%e2%80%99s-appeal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 11 17:46:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=213835</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Dismisses the appeal of banned Pakistan cricketers to dismiss their corruption case in a preliminary hearing.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Crown Court in London has dismissed the appeal of banned Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir to dismiss their corruption case in a preliminary hearing, which ended yesterday.

The trio, who were found guilty of spot-fixing by the International Cricket Council and are serving a minimum five-year ban, had filed an appeal asking the court to dismiss criminal charges that the Crown Prosecution had levelled against them. Amir and Asif attended the hearing, while Butt was represented by his lawyer. The trio were caught in a sting operation carried out by a British tabloid during Pakistan’s tour of England last year.


 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Salman Butt to miss preliminary hearing in London</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/212972/salman-butt-to-miss-preliminary-hearing-in-london</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/212972/salman-butt-to-miss-preliminary-hearing-in-london#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 11 09:25:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Asif and Amir reach court for hearing into case registered by Crown Prosecution Service.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s banned former test captain, Salman Butt failed to appear before a London court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing into the case registered against him by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for corruption and cheating.

A case has been registered against Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, who are in London for the hearing at the Southwark Court.

Asif and Amir have reached the London court, along with their lawyers.

"I had applied for a visa on time to the British embassy but since I didn't get the passport back on time I can't go to London," Butt said.

"I wanted to appear myself but because of the visa problems now my lawyer, Yasin Patel will represent me in the hearing," said Butt.

The former Pakistan skipper said if required and if his lawyer advises him he is available for a video conference.

The trio is already serving a five-year ban from the International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption Tribunal that found them guilty of spot fixing in February this year during a hearing in Doha.

The trio did not appear at the hearing, held on May 20 in the Southwark Court, which had ruled that the regular hearing of the case would begin in October.

Judge James Sanders, however, ruled that the three have to appear for the preliminary hearing in July in person or through a video link.

The court will begin regular hearing of the case from October 4.

Although Amir and Asif were present in London on May 20, they did not appear in the Southwark Court on advice of their lawyers. Butt did not travel to London at all.]]>
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			<title>‘ICC has not put Amir’s issue aside’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/208238/%e2%80%98icc-has-not-put-amir%e2%80%99s-issue-aside%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/208238/%e2%80%98icc-has-not-put-amir%e2%80%99s-issue-aside%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 11 18:30:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=208238</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ICC official added that there was every possibility of Amir’s ban being extended, if he is found guilty.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[While over a month has passed since Mohammad Amir allegedly breached his five-year ban by playing a club match in Surrey but the International Cricket Council (ICC) has not put the matter aside and is continuing the investigation on the 19-year-old’s involvement.


Amir was handed a five-year ban from all cricketing activities over his role in the spot-fixing scanadal, along with former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and fast-bowler Mohammad Asif.

Following his alleged breach, the ICC launched an investigation, but Amir was quick to defend himself by saying that he believed he was playing a local match, without any payments, and would not breach the ban.

However, the ICC, not convinced with the fast-bowler’s explanation, is conducting an inquiry that also involves the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Surrey officials.

“The matter isn’t closed,” an official close to the case told The Express Tribune.

“The inquiry being conducted also involves ECB and Surrey officials along with the players who were involved in the match.”

The official added that there was every possibility of Amir’s ban being extended, if he is found guilty.

“The ICC won’t be lenient this time with Amir who was also warned earlier. There’s a strong possibility of extending the ban on him.”

However, the official added that no time-frame can be given on the outcome of the investigation and a decision may be reached after holding  a hearing with the fast-bowler.

The ICC had earlier issued a warning to Amir after he featured in a match at the Pindi Stadium in January, involving local teams of Rawalpindi.

ICC confirms probe still underway 

Meanwhile, the ICC has confirmed it was still continuing the investigation on Amir.

“It’s still ongoing,” said ICC Media and Communication Manager James Fitzgerald without giving any more details.

 

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Waqar urges end to talk of fixing</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/126316/waqar-urges-end-to-talk-of-fixing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/126316/waqar-urges-end-to-talk-of-fixing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 11 09:15:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=126316</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan coach Waqar Younis insists the World Cup is clean and urges an end to talk about match-fixing in cricket.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan coach Waqar Younis Wednesday insisted the World Cup was clean and urged an end to talk about match-fixing in cricket.

His comments come after Sri Lankan state TV channel ITN speculated over whether Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera may have "changed the game" by getting out cheaply in their team's defeat against Pakistan.

The station added a local businessman had placed an $18,000 bet on Sri Lanka losing the game.

Sri Lanka's cricket authorities angrily denied the allegations and Jayawardene was considering legal action against the station for implying he was guilty of corruption, the BBC said.

Indian media also reported that Australia's slow start in their innings against Zimbabwe was "scrutinised by the International Cricket Council anti-corruption and security unit" -- speculation laughed off by Australia's Brad Haddin.

Former Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer last month received lengthy bans on charges of corruption relating to last year's Lord's Test against England.

All three have registered appeals, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed. They are also facing criminal prosecution in Britain with an initial court appearance set for March 17.

Asked how he felt now that Pakistan were of the limelight, Waqar said: "It feels great, but let’s not talk about it. I think the games have been pretty fair, the entire tournament has been pretty clean, if you ask me.

"The teams who are better have won games and I think it's pretty clean. People talk about these things because nowadays it is on. I’m glad Pakistan is not in it, so good for us."

Waqar said he was confident his team would keep up their winning momentum after beating Kenya and Sri Lanka in their first two matches.

"Everyone knows the importance of the tournament, so I don’t think there is any easy match or that any match will be taken lightly," said Waqar, whose team takes on Canada on Thursday.

"We played very well against Sri Lanka but it's still early days. There are bigger teams ahead so we need to come out and importantly keep the momentum going," said Waqar.

Waqar singled out fielding as one area where Pakistan still needed to improve.

"When you compare our fielding with other teams, say like South Africa, Australia and England, we have a long way to go but I think we are getting there," said the coach.

Pakistan are likely to bring in off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for injured left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman and Asad Shafiq for in-form Misbah-ul-Haq, who suffered a hamstring injury.]]>
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			<title>Amir files appeal against five-year ban</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/123805/amir-files-appeal-against-five-year-ban</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/123805/amir-files-appeal-against-five-year-ban#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 11 09:51:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=123805</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Amir files appeal against the ban in the International Court of Arbitration for Sports in Switzerland.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Suspended bowler Mohammad Amir on Friday contested the five-year ban imposed on him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption tribunal on charges of spot fixing.

Amir filed the appeal against the ban in the International Court of Arbitration for Sports in Switzerland.

His lawyer, Shahid Karim said he is hopeful for a positive outcome of their appeal, arguing that the ICC's anti-corruption tribunal had not taken into consideration Amir's age or previous disciplinary record while making its decision.

Amir is one of three Pakistani cricketers suspended for spot-fixing, the others being Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Ijaz Butt had also requested a review of the ban on Amir.

“As the anti-corruption tribunal has asked for a review on the code of conduct, we too have requested the ICC to have a review on the five-year ban on Amir,” said Butt, who had hoped the matter would be discussed at the ICC’s next board meeting.]]>
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			<title>Banned trio sacked by its department</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/118683/nbp-sacks-spot-fixing-trio</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/118683/nbp-sacks-spot-fixing-trio#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 11 11:50:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[umar.farooq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=118683</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir have been sacked by the National Bank of Pakistan.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The banned trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir faced further humiliation when their employer, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), also distanced itself from them by refusing to renew their contracts.

The trio had their Pakistan Cricket Board contracts suspended in the wake of the damaging spot-fixing allegations and were banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) tribunal earlier this month.

“Since the trio has been banned from playing cricket, the NBP has also distanced itself from them,” NBP’s Executive Vice-President Iqbal Qasim told The Express Tribune. “We waited until the tribunal’s judgment since their contract ended on December 31 last year but decided against renewing them in the aftermath of the hearing.”

The three were guilty of charges relating to spot-fixing in the Lord’s Test last summer with Salman also guilty of breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code by failing to report an illegal approach made to him by his own agent Mazhar Majeed.

The trio was given bans ranging from five to ten years with provision for an early return if they refrain from such activities in the future.

“It will very be hard to fill the gap as the trio was full of quality.

“The domestic season is almost over but from next year we will be recruiting their replacements,” said Qasim. Qasim also added that during the time the trio was provisionally suspended by the ICC, they were regularly paid their stipend until the end of the contract.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Hope for Amir as PCB chief requests ICC to review ban</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/118166/hope-for-amir-as-pcb-chief-requests-icc-to-review-ban</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/118166/hope-for-amir-as-pcb-chief-requests-icc-to-review-ban#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Feb 11 04:34:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=118166</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has officially requested a review of a five-year ban imposed on fast-bowler Mohammad Amir.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt has officially requested a review of a five-year ban imposed on fast-bowler Mohammad Amir by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The PCB had distanced itself from Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif following their provisional suspension last year in the wake of the spot-fixing allegations during the England tour. The board also suspended the trio’s central contracts while also banning them from using its grounds and facilities with Ijaz Butt adding that the trio will have to appeal the ICC verdict on their own.

But on Friday, the PCB chief took a U-turn and said that the board had requested a review of Amir’s ban. “As the anti-corruption tribunal has asked for a review on the code of conduct, we too have requested the ICC to have a review on the five-year ban on Amir,” said Ijaz, who hoped the matter would be discussed at the ICC’s next board meeting.

Amir, who was handed out the minimum sanction of five years, has also decided to appeal the verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

It was also widely speculated that the 18-year-old, having never violated the ICC’s code of conduct in his short but promising career, would only be given a one or two-year ban. However, the three-man tribunal, headed by Michael Beloff, imposed a sanction of five years – a decision that the anti-corruption unit has admitted to be harsh in the judgment released a few days ago.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>PCB appeals Amir's ban</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/117912/pcb-appeals-amirs-ban</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/117912/pcb-appeals-amirs-ban#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 11 14:11:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=117912</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ijaz Butt officially requests review over paceman Mohammad Amir's five-year ban on charges of corruption.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan cricket chief Ijaz Butt has officially requested a review over fast-rising paceman Mohammad Amir's five-year ban on charges of corruption, he said.

Butt revealed the request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a television interview aired on a local television channel late on Friday.

"As the Anti-corruption tribunal has asked for a review on the code of conduct, we too have requested the ICC to have a review on the five-year ban on Amir," Butt said.

Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were banned on charges of corruption during the Lord's Test against England last year.

Salman was banned for 10 years, with five years suspended, and Asif for seven years, including a two-year suspended ban.

The anti-corruption tribunal, headed by Michael Beloff, while announcing the verdict last week also requested the ICC to review the minimum sanction in their code of conduct, which is five years, in special cases.

It was widely speculated that Amir, aged only 18 and having never violated the ICC code of conduct in his two-year international career, would get a two or one-year ban, but the tribunal had to impose five years, the minimum for this type of breach.

Butt admitted the chances of the ban being reviewed or reduced were remote.

"There is one out of million chance as the final decision would rest with the ICC," said Butt.

Butt hoped the request for a review would be discussed at ICC's next board meeting later this year.]]>
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			<title>ICC's releases Pakistan corruption findings for outside UK only</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/116855/iccs-releases-pakistan-corruption-findings-for-outside-uk-only</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/116855/iccs-releases-pakistan-corruption-findings-for-outside-uk-only#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 11 07:17:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=116855</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Documents detailing an independent tribunal's deliberations not available in Britain because of legal rules.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Cricket's governing body on Wednesday released its findings from a corruption investigation which resulted in three Pakistan players being banned at the weekend for five years. 

The document detailing an independent tribunal's deliberations was not available in Britain because of forthcoming criminal charges faced there by former captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.

The trio are accused of fixing parts of matches in a test match against England last August. An International Cricket Council (ICC) statement quoted chief Haroon Lorgat saying: "It is the ICC's intention to be as transparent an organisation as is feasible and to publish all its reports and findings for the benefit of stakeholders."Publishing the full written determination of the tribunal is clearly in the best interest of cricket."

The statement continued, however, that in light of the decision by the British Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to pursue criminal charges, a read-only version of the tribunal's determination was available on the ICC website for the next seven days only.

Additionally, only readers outside England and Wales could access it. Under British legal rules which forbid the publication of details which could prejudice the outcome of a future criminal or civil case,  international media companies were unable to give details of the tribunal findings.]]>
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			<title>I will make a strong comeback: Amir</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115789/amir-vows-to-recover-from-worst-day-of-my-life</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115789/amir-vows-to-recover-from-worst-day-of-my-life#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 11 18:29:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=115789</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mohammad Amir vows to recover, confirms he will exercise his right to appeal verdict of five-year ban.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s banned fast-bowler Mohammad Amir has promised to come back from the “worst day of my life” after confirming he will exercise his right to appeal the verdict of a five-year ban from cricket for his part in the spot-fixing scandal.

An International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption tribunal also handed out longer bans to former captain Salman Butt and fast-bowler Mohammad Asif for the roles they played in bowling deliberate no-balls during last year’s Test against England at Lord’s.

Prior to the scandal, Amir was regarded as one of the hottest property in the cricket world. And the thought that at the age of 18 his career might be over was almost too much for Amir to comprehend.

‘Worst day of my life’

“What can I say about my feelings?” Amir told the BBC. “When one sees, in front of him, the end of his future, his career, then that is the worst day of one’s life. Cricket is the most important thing in my life because I left my studies for cricket; I was so passionate about it. “My family depends on me and I depend upon cricket so the entire thing will be upset by this decision. We [Amir and his lawyer] have the option to appeal which we will exercise.”

‘I will never lose hope’

However, the teenager vowed to recover from the controversy.

“About the future, I will never lose hope. I have never done that in my life. I’ll always take it as something which will propel me to do better and I’ll do everything in my power to make a strong comeback. I have firm faith that God must have some lessons for me to learn from all of this.

“I’ll try to work hard, make a comeback, and learn good things out of these bad days,” he added.

Meanwhile, Salman, too, has indicated he wishes to appeal but Asif is still considering his options, according to a statement issued by his London-based lawyer, Addleshaw Goddard.

“Asif has co-operated fully with the ICC’s investigation and is very disappointed and upset by the decision it reached,” the statement said. “Together with his legal representatives, he is now considering his response and will not be commenting further due to the ongoing criminal proceedings.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Banned trio to receive full report today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115474/banned-trio-to-receive-full-report-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115474/banned-trio-to-receive-full-report-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 11 19:04:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=115474</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ICC yet to decide whether to make findings public.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and fast-bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir will receive a full written judgement on their spot-fixing verdict today, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) three-man independent tribunal announced sanctions for the under-fire trio whose details will be handed over to them. However, it is still not clear whether the detailed report of their complete verdicts will be made public immediately or not.

Salman was handed a 10-year ban, including five years probationary suspension; Asif a seven-year ban, including two years of probationary suspension; and Amir a five-year ban from all cricketing activities. The ICC is reportedly keen on publishing the detailed accounts of the corruption verdicts the very same day. However, with Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) decision to press charges against the three players, the ICC might reconsider.

According to the website, the ICC has been seeking legal advice from Jonathon Caplin QC, a media law specialist, because the CPS has “strongly advised” the world’s cricket governing body not to publish the full judgment. The CPS noted in its statement that “particular care needs to be taken to not publish material” which may prejudice a criminal trial.

A short statement was read out by Michael Beloff on Saturday, who headed the tree-man tribunal, flanked by the other two tribunal members Justice Albie Sachs and Sharad Rao, in which they also urged the ICC to publish the report as soon as possible. The report is keenly-awaited and is expected to explain in detail the reasons for the verdicts and shed light on the evidence gathered by the ICC’s legal team.

While 18-year-old Amir plans to appeal against the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Salman also disagreed with the verdict. However, the nature of any potential appeals, as well as the feasibility, will become clearer once the report has been made public.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan greats call for reform</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115501/pakistan-greats-call-for-reform</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115501/pakistan-greats-call-for-reform#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 11 19:04:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=115501</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Imran claims PCB chairman should be held accountable.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan cricket faces an abysmal future unless it cleans up the game and institutes reforms after three players were banned on corruption charges, according to former players.

Former captain Zaheer Abbas rued how spot-fixing controversies tainted Pakistan’s reputation in the cricket world. “Pakistan’s cricket image is tainted badly,” said Abbas. “But the latest bans give us a last chance to root out corruption  from our cricket or else we might be thrown out of international cricket.”

Meanwhile, Imran Khan called for upheavals in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), even after the country’s board took measures that include keeping tabs on players through an integrity committee and introducing harsher punishments in their annual contracts on the directives of the International Cricket Council.

“Our cricket system is wrong,” said Khan.“The PCB chairman  should be an elected person held accountable. What prevails in our system is that the patron of the PCB – President Asif Ali Zardari – appoints the chairman who doesn’t ban key players because he fears his team will lose and he’ll get sacked.”

Many believe Pakistan missed the chance to purge cricket after a match-fixing inquiry led by judge Malik Mohammad Qayyum saw Salim Malik and Ataur Rehman banned for life. “I conducted an inquiry which could have served as a way to purge our cricket but my recommendations to keep close eyes on Pakistan players were never followed,” said Qayyum.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Holding the PCB to account</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115418/holding-the-pcb-to-account</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115418/holding-the-pcb-to-account#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 11 18:05:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Atika.rehman]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=115418</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The PCB and ICC aren’t blameless, so if we are chastising those who have erred, why stop at the players?]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Band-aids can rarely be ripped off painlessly, but when a wound inflicts a vital organ and runs deep enough to set your nervous system on fire, the sting is blinding.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir have been banned from the crease for 10, seven and five years respectively, and the decision has rendered part of my cricket-loving spirit comatose. The tragic ending of this saga brings one thing to light: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) aren’t blameless, so if we are chastising those who have erred, why stop at the players?

The PCB management behaved like an intoxicated bully from the word go; their first press conference when the scandal erupted exposed their callous attitude, and their initial claims that the players are “innocent until proven guilty” were hogwash. If the board thought that the players were being maligned, it should have served a legal notice on the British tabloid that had reported on the corruption allegation. Why was this affair allowed to stretch over a period of more than six months, especially so close to the World Cup? Perhaps this is all part of a ‘we-love-surprises’ attitude, considering they didn’t select a captain till the thirteenth hour.

The ICC’s culpability lies in the violation of its very own rules. Article 8 of its anti-corruption code quite clearly states that “neither the ICC nor any National Cricket Federation shall publicly identify any Player or Player Support Personnel who has been alleged to have committed an offence under the Anti-Corruption Code until it has been determined in a hearing”. Instead of declining to comment on the news published by the News of the World, the ICC added fuel to the fire ignited by the media. Furthermore, the fact that the players have been charged with bribery, by British prosecutors, should have deterred the tribunal from making its decision public.

All said and done, the players are guilty and have been rightfully punished. As heartbreaking as it is to see a player as gifted as Amir banished for five years, his hubris was his tragic flaw. What made him wear that ‘legalise cannabis’ T-shirt before the tribunal in Doha? Why did he play that ‘practice match’ in Pindi? Ignorance of the law is never an excuse but it seems that, along with Amir, his mentors were plunged into the black abyss of oblivion.

I blame the PCB’s faithlessness and lack of will to educate and coach young players for this mess. Butt, Asif and Amir have proven to be liars and cheaters, but the PCB needs to accept some responsibility for what has happened and end the cycle of deceit that has contaminated a sport that draws undying love from Pakistanis.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>ICC Verdict: ‘Sanctions to act as strong deterrent’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115032/icc-verdict-%e2%80%98sanctions-to-act-as-strong-deterrent%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115032/icc-verdict-%e2%80%98sanctions-to-act-as-strong-deterrent%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 11 04:47:59 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[express]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has commended the tribunal for its decision.]]>
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				<![CDATA[ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has commended the tribunal for its decision and hoped the findings and sanctions will send out a strong message to the other players. “From the very moment we became aware of the spot-fixing allegations made by the News of The World, the ICC left no stone unturned in pursuing this matter and we are therefore pleased with the outcome.

“While I’m deeply saddened that this case happened in the first place, I acknowledge and commend the decision to deliver lengthy bans to all three players.”

Lorgat said that corruption will not be tolerated as the ICC adopts a zero-tolerance approach on the issue. The ICC chief executive said that the sport’s governing body also acknowledged the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision to charge the players with criminal offences in the UK.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Next step: Salman to appeal verdict</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115031/next-step-salman-to-appeal-verdict</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/115031/next-step-salman-to-appeal-verdict#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 11 04:21:24 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Banned former captain Salman Butt expressed disappointment and vowed to challenge the ICC verdict.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Banned former captain Salman Butt expressed disappointment and vowed to challenge the International Cricket Council (ICC) verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). Salman, who was handed a 10-year sanction, five of which are suspended after the ICC banned the player over his role in spot-fixing, returned from Doha yesterday.

“I’m very disappointed by the decision which was unfair,” said Salman. “I’ll challenge the decision and I’m hoping my ban is reduced.”

The ICC tribunal, led by Micheal Beloff, handed the sanction to Salman besides announcing a seven and five-year exile from cricket for Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir respectively after they were found guilty in the hearing held in Doha last month.

Salman said he would prepare his course of action after getting a detailed report on the decision.

“We will get the details of the judgment in a few days after which I’ll appeal,” said the 26-year-old.

The tribunal has given the banned trio 21 days to appeal against the verdict. Mohammad Amir’s lawyer Shahid Karim already announced that the fast-bowler will challenge the decision.

‘Trio unlikely to get reprieve even at the CAS’ 

Meanwhile, a lawyer, who was part of Salman’s legal team before the Doha hearing, feared that the players’ attempt will prove futile.

“I think the CAS will not give any respite to the three players,” the lawyer told The Express Tribune. “The Doha hearing was the ideal chance for the players to get off and I don’t see the CAS would entertain them now.

“The tribunal had gathered strong evidence against the three players and there is very little chance that the CAS will let them go.”

The lawyer, however, termed the decision harsh irrespective of the evidence against the trio.

“I think a hefty fine and a strict warning would have been enough. The lengthy bans would end their career which is their livelihood.”

PCB remains undeterred 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear that the players are on their own with the chairman Ijaz Butt saying the board cannot interfere.

“The PCB would neither challenge nor help the players in appealing,” said Butt. “The decision was right in light of its investigation.”

Meanwhile, Butt’s comments have not come as a surprise as the PCB already terminated the central contracts of the trio and also barred the disgraced trio from using its facilities soon after the ICC suspended them in September last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Imran Khan 'upset' at ICC verdict</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114949/imran-khan-upset-at-icc-verdict</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114949/imran-khan-upset-at-icc-verdict#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 11 14:56:51 +0500</pubDate>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=114949</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Khan &quot;genuinely upset&quot; at bans given to Pakistani cricketers for spot-fixing, but said punishments were necessary.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Legendary all-rounder Imran Khan on Sunday said he felt "genuinely upset" at the lengthy bans given to three Pakistani cricketers for spot-fixing, but said punishments were necessary for the sake of the game in Pakistan.

"I am genuinely upset over the bans on three key, young and talented players," Khan told AFP, a day after the tribunal announced the sanctions.

"But once the players were proven guilty a punishment has to be given for the sake of cricket in general and for the sake of Pakistan cricket in particular."

Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup, said the loss of three key players would hurt Pakistan's chances in the upcoming tournament in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"I feel sad for Aamer, who is probably the best young fast bowler in the world at the moment and had a long way to go," said Khan of the 18-year-old left-arm paceman, regarded as the hottest property at international level.

"Asif is one of the best new ball bowlers and Butt is a solid opener, so with these three key players Pakistan would have done very well in the World Cup, but that is not to be."

Khan said the nation felt humiliated when the spot-fixing case surfaced in August last year.

"It was great humiliation for the people of Pakistan as the kind of ignominy it brought made people more demoralised than the floods in the country," said Khan of the natural disaster which struck Pakistan during the same period.

Khan said corruption was a serious problem in Pakistan.

"The sad part of this whole corruption episode is that most of the people sitting at important places in Pakistan are corrupt and with that prevailing what sort of signal we are giving to our youth?" he said.

Khan, who leads the Teherik-e-Insaaf (Movement for Justice) political party, hit out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its handling of corruption cases in the past.

"When the match-fixing scandal first surfaced in 1995 and we had judicial inquiry, even at that time the PCB mishandled the case as they were scared that if they ban some key players then team will lose and the Board will be sacked," he said.

"Until and unless we have an elected Board who takes decisions on merit and without fears of being sacked we cannot have a proper domestic system and we won't be able to avoid controversies like this spot-fixing thing."]]>
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			<title>Pakistan players banned on solid evidence: Lorgat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114940/pakistan-players-banned-on-solid-evidence-lorgat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114940/pakistan-players-banned-on-solid-evidence-lorgat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 11 14:02:09 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Lorgat rejected the suggestion that punishments meted out to the Pakistani cricketers were lenient.]]>
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				<![CDATA[International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat said Sunday three Pakistan players -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer -- were banned on solid proof of corruption.

"We are satisfied at the tribunal's decision, which was taken on solid evidence and we hope with this decision the image of the game will improve," Lorgat told a press conference in Doha.

Lorgat, who was accompanied by the head of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), Ronnie Flanagan, was speaking a day after Butt, Aamer and Asif were handed lengthy bans for spot-fixing.

Butt was banned for 10 years, with five years suspended, while Asif and Aamer were handed bans of seven years with two suspended and five years respectively.

The charges relate to alleged incidents during the Test against England at Lord's last year, when Britain's News of the World newspaper claimed the players were willing to deliberately bowl no-balls.

The newspaper alleged the three had colluded in a spot-fixing betting scam organised by British-based agent Mazhar Majeed.

In a separate development on Friday, British prosecutors charged the three players as well as Majeed with corruption offences and summoned them to appear in a London court on March 17.

The trio have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Lorgat rejected the suggestion that the punishments were lenient.

"I don't believe the sentences are lenient by any stretch of the imagination," said Lorgat. "I think they are balanced with an expert and experienced jury dealing with the case."

The three-man tribunal was headed by Michael Beloff QC and also contained Albie Sachs of South Africa and Sharad Rao of Kenya.

"In legal terms you have to be proportionate when you are giving punishment and we must distinguish between match-fixing and spot-fixing, and the jury was independent and they decided on proportionate punishments," said Lorgat.

Lorgat said the verdict will send a clear message to the cricket world.

"While I am deeply saddened that this case happened in the first place, I acknowledge and commend the decision to deliver lengthy bans to all three players.

"Corruption in our game will never be tolerated and, once again, I reiterate our zero-tolerance approach. I hope this investigation, and the verdicts delivered, makes that message crystal-clear."

Butt and Aamer have expressed disappointment at the bans, with Butt hoping to get the ban reduced once the ICC code of conduct -- which carries a mimimum five-year punishment -- is amended.

Lorgat said the case tarnished the reputation of the game.

"We now would hope that the reputation, after having been initially tarnished, is now safeguarded. This is the incident we do not want to see in the game and equally at the speed at which we brought forward the charges, show our seriousness and we will do everything necesssary to protest the integrity of the game."

Lorgat said both the players and the ICC have the right to appeal.

"If they wish to appeal, its their right. We haven't considered that (appeal) at this point," said Lorgat, who said any suggestions to root out corruption are always welcomed.

"The ICC Board has open mind and we are ready to listen all suggestions in order to root out corruption from the game, we consider all the recommendations that come our way," said Lorgat.

Flanagan, who took over from Lord Paul Condon last year, also showed satisfaction over the proceedings.

"Over the past few months, the ACSU and the ICC's legal team have worked extremely hard on this case, including in its investigations prior to the time that the News Of The World's story broke.

"We have subsequently received significant support and cooperation from the newspaper's investigators and the Metropolitan Police in order to develop the evidence on which the tribunal has based its decision.

"This case gives us a platform to build on and carry on our fight," said Flanagan.]]>
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			<title>Salman Butt disappointed by ICC's decision</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114801/icc-ban-tainted-trio-out-for-5-years</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114801/icc-ban-tainted-trio-out-for-5-years#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 11 07:40:05 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[express]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Salman Butt says the ICC laws that banned him, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir need to be amended.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former Captain Salman Butt on Sunday said that he was disappointed by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision.

Talking to the media after arriving at the Lahore airport, Butt said that the ICC laws that banned him, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir need to be amended.

Updated from print edition (below)

ICC ban: Tainted trio out for 5 years

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and fast-bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif have been suspended for at least five years after they were found guilty of corruption by an International Cricket Council (ICC) independent anti-corruption tribunal hearing in Doha.

After nine hours of deliberations, the ICC tribunal – comprising Michael Beloff QC, Sharad Rao and Justice Albie Sachs – announced a sanction of ten years of ineligibility to play any form of international cricket for Salman Butt with five years of a suspended sentence; seven years for Mohammad Asif with two years suspended sentence and five years’ ineligibility for Mohammad Amir.

The trio was accused of ‘spot-fixing’ offences in the fourth Test against England at Lord’s while Butt was also under suspicion for his batting in the Oval Test match. ‘Spot-fixing’ involves players agreeing to take specific actions at specific points during the game, on which people have placed bets.

Amir and Asif were found  guilty of bowling two no-balls and one no-ball respectively, at the behest of Mazhar Majeed, the players’ agent who offered bribes to each of the players, as well as Salman Butt who was also involved. The two players were found to have deliberately overstepped their mark while bowling deliveries during the Test match played at Lords Cricket Ground in London between August 26 and 29, 2010.

Butt was also found guilty of having failed to disclose being approached by Majeed before the Test match at the Oval cricket ground in London, played between 18 and 21 August 2010, though the ICC acquitted him of the charge of having deliberately not scored during an over in his innings.

Each of the players was penalised with a minimum of a five year sentence. Asif and Butt can have the remainder of their sentences suspended, provided they both complete an anti-corruption education program under the supervision of the Pakistan Cricket Board and have no further disciplinary problems.

The ICC had stated before the hearings that it would seek the maximum of a life ban on each of the players. The tribunal’s decision amounts to a compromise between the ICC’s maximalist position and the calls for leniency by the attorneys for the players.

Both the players and the ICC can appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration in Sport in Switzerland. ESPN Cricinfo, a cricket news website, reports that Amir may already plan on appealing the decision regarding his suspension from international cricket.

In recent months, there had been speculation that Amir would be treated leniently by the tribunal on account of his age (18) and his previously unblemished disciplinary record. The young player had widely been recognised as one of the most exciting new bowlers from Pakistan. Wasim Akram went so far as to say that Amir was better than he was at age 18.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Mani, Zaheer lash out at PCB</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114761/mani-zaheer-lash-out-at-pcb</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114761/mani-zaheer-lash-out-at-pcb#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 11 05:45:25 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[express]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=114761</guid>
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				<![CDATA[While some welcomed the ICC’s decision, saying it will rid cricket of corruption, others lashed out at PCB.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The International Cricket Council (ICC) verdict drew a mixed reaction from former players and officials after the three Pakistan players – Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif – were banned for their role in spot-fixing during the England tour in August last year. The three players, handed out different sanctions, will be out of cricket action for atleast five years.

While some welcomed the ICC’s decision, saying it will rid cricket of corruption, others lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not acting quick enough when the allegations first came into light.

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan said that while the decision will not end the practice of match-fixing or spot-fixing, the sanctions will serve as a lesson to other players. The former wicket-keeper added that the trio should challenge the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“The decision will not entirely end the practice of match-fixing or spot-fixing but would surely help control the menace.”

Moin said that the ICC must have had solid evidence against these players and hence the harsh punishments were handed out.

‘Careers of Salman, Asif over’

Moin further commented that Salman and Asif should consider their international careers over after the bans. The 26-year-old Salman was sanctioned for 10 years of ineligibility, “five years of which are suspended on the condition that he doesn’t commit further breaches of the code, and that he participates under the auspices of the PCB in a programme of anti-corruption education,” said the ICC.

Asif, 28, was handed a seven-year ban, of which two are suspended.

“It’s hard for Salman and Asif to make a comeback even after five years let alone after the entire duration. “Amir is young so he still has a chance.”

‘PCB is to blame’

Former ICC president Ehsan Mani said that the entire
responsibility lay with the PCB.

“As the verdict is now out, the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt should resign immediately because all of this happened under the board’s nose.”.

He further said the decision was not at all biased and people like Beloff are not prejudiced.

“People like Beloff are clean. In some sense, the suspended sentences will help the players return if they stay clean and now its all up to the PCB to keep a check on these players.”

Another former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas said that the career of these players have finished and the blame rests with the PCB.

“It’s a great setback for Pakistan cricket and the entire nation.

“The PCB is responsible for all this and it is now their turn to teach the young players what corruption can lead to,” said Abbas.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>ICC’s five-year ban shocks Amir</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114760/icc%e2%80%99s-five-year-ban-shocks-amir</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114760/icc%e2%80%99s-five-year-ban-shocks-amir#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 11 05:42:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Mohammad Amir says he was shocked and disappointed at being handed a five-year ban.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan teenage fast-bowler Mohammad Amir said he was shocked and disappointed at being handed a five-year ban yesterday. Amir, along with former captain Salman Butt and fellow pacer Mohammad Asif were slapped with bans by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after their role in spot-fixing during the England tour in August last year.

“I’m shocked and hugely disappointed. I wasn’t expecting that much of a ban,” said Amir, just minutes after the anti-corruption tribunal of the ICC announced its verdict.

Salman was banned for 10 years, of which five are suspended, Asif for seven years with two suspended while Amir for five years.

The corruption charges relate to alleged incidents during a Test against England at Lord’s last year, when Britain’s News of the World newspaper claimed the players were willing to deliberately bowl no-balls.

The newspaper alleged the players had colluded in a spot-fixing scam organised by British-based agent Mazhar Majeed.

Amir said he was confident of being absolved. “I was confident that I will get away without any punishment, but this is very hard on me. I have just come out of the hearing and have told my family who have tried to console me.

“I will sit with my lawyer and decide about appealing against the verdict.”

Amir’s lawyer Shahid Karim had hinted he would try to convince the tribunal that, since his client was only 18, and had never committed any violation of the code before, he should be treated leniently.

The players have 21 days to appeal against the sanctions in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, based in Switzerland.

On Friday, British prosecutors charged the three players, as well as Majeed, with corruption offences and summoned them to appear in a London court on March 17. Karim said he is confident that Amir will appeal.

“It’s a sad day for Pakistan cricket,” said Karim. “I tried my level best, tried all the provisions which could have helped Amir but a five-year ban is too harsh.”

“He is shocked, although he put on a brave face but it’s very tough to be consoled,” said Karim, hinting that the Crown Prosecution Service’s announcement also changed the scenario.

Amir, only 18, was regarded as one of the hottest properties in international cricket and was compared to legendary Pakistani fast-bowler Wasim Akram within two years of his emergence.

‘I feel sad for these cricketers’

Meanwhile, former captain Akram, while talking to reporters in Karachi, admitted that the lengthy bans handed out represented a new low for the besieged sport in the country.

“I feel very sad for all three of these kids. One of them is just 18,” said Akram. “I feel for their families because they are key players. This is definitely a low for Pakistan cricket.”

Akram also said Amir is a special talent. “I was very happy to see Amir’s progress, but with this punishment his career will suffer. I hope he comes back strongly,” said Akram.

Akram said he hopes the punishments will serve as a lesson. “Not only for cricketers in Pakistan, but also for the players around the world, this should be a lesson, and I sincerely hope that the ICC has set an example with this verdict. This will serve as a clean-up, not only in Pakistan cricket, but in world cricket,” said Akram.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Analysis: Tribunal didn’t have too many choices</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114802/analysis-tribunal-didn%e2%80%99t-have-too-many-choices</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114802/analysis-tribunal-didn%e2%80%99t-have-too-many-choices#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 11 04:57:17 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[avirook.sen]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=114802</guid>
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				<![CDATA[No matter what pleas for leniency it heard, ICC could not ignore the investigations of the CPS.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The ICC tribunal  that handed down the bans on three Pakistani cricketers in Doha did not really have too many choices before it. No matter what pleas for leniency it heard, or was prepared to entertain, it could not ignore the investigations of the Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). That investigation into the spot-fixing scandal has found that crimes have been committed. Serious enough to attract nine-year jail terms. Prosecutors said Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, along with Mazhar Majeed, the bookmaker the three wished they never had on their phonebooks, “should be charged with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments and also conspiracy to cheat.”

For the ICC, criticised for not resolving the nearly six-month old issue in time to give the players concerned a chance to make the Pakistan World Cup side, there were obvious difficulties.

Cricketers are citizens first. And if citizens are accused of conspiracy or cheating, then they generally respond to charges before they get into flannels and start playing.

Consider the scenario where these men were included in the World Cup side. On March 17 they are expected at the City of Westminster Magistrate’s court. Giving them just enough time to pack their bags after the easy game against Zimbabwe to be at the hearing as they had promised. They would then rush back to make the crucial fixture against Australia at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium on 19 March. And likely hear the Aussies say: “You’re missing some gear, boys, where are the handcuffs?” Bollywood plots are less ridiculous.

But the Aussies would be right. The crimes that the CPS is investigating just happened to have been committed in an improbable arena: a field of cricket. Where lesser crimes, such as batting too slow, playing a rash shot, or bowling too many wayward deliveries (unintentionally!) on a given day, have been punished with lifelong banishment from international cricket by authorities not bound by the procedures of Scotland Yard. Honest cricketers will tell you that.

For the three concerned, there is only one legal option available to clear their names. This is to go through the judicial process in England. The ICC is clearly guided by the CPS on this one, so an appeal at the court of arbitration in Switzerland against the ICC ruling, is meaningless. And guess what, the honourable Michael Beloff, QC, the guy who handed out the bans, will be the main man there as well.

If the minimum five-year bans does mean the end to three careers, I believe cricket will miss just one. Salman Butt, no matter what anyone says, would never be another Saeed Anwar. Mohammad Amir had tremendous potential, but was hyped by people like Wasim Akram (‘he is better than I was at his age’). Akram wouldn’t make his college team, although the umpire Aleem Dar was in the XI, so this cannot be saying all that much.

No, the real loss to cricket is the loss of the artist Mohammad Asif. And for what? Allegedly for a sum of money that the lowliest contracts in the IPL get you in six weeks? I will never stop wondering why Asif overstepped the line.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Reap what you sow</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114580/reap-what-you-sow</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114580/reap-what-you-sow#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 11 18:22:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=114580</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[For Butt, Asif and Aamir, the future couldn’t be clearer. They will live their days out in shame and infamy.]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In delaying its verdict on the futures of Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir by nearly a month, the ICC tribunal may have done Pakistani fans a favour. It has given us more time to process the inevitable, that all three are guilty of spot-fixing and selling out their country for personal enrichment. In handing down a 10-year ban (five of which are suspended) to Butt and a seven-year ban (two of which are suspended) to Asif, the ICC has effectively ended their careers. Amir is young enough to come back after serving his five-year ban although returning after a prolonged absence will not be easy. The cricketers have the option of appealing the verdict with the Court of Arbitration for Sport but, given that an British authorities intend to prosecute them for conspiracy to cheat and accepting corrupt payments, this may not be a good option.

For Butt, Asif and Amir, the future couldn’t be clearer. They will live their days out in shame and infamy. Fans will do their best to blot out the memory of this disgraceful episode and continue supporting their cleansed team. Meanwhile, the latter has had encouraging series against South Africa and New Zealand and there finally seems to be a measure of stability in the days leading up to the World Cup. To assume, however, that after the verdict all is well and good with Pakistani cricket would be a folly. Part of the reason the cricketers felt they could get away with corruption was the PCB’s head-in-the-sand stance over the years. By all accounts, match-fixing was present in the 1990s but bans were handed down against cricketers only after they had retired from the sport.

The PCB needs to ensure it is vigilant and doesn’t automatically assume a defensive posture when its cricketers are charged with corruption. As for the cricketers, while they earn far more than most of their countrymen, they are paid far less than most other international cricketers. With the PCB’s finances in a mess and international cricket halted in the country due to terrorism, they will have to accept that pride in representing their country compensates any shortfalls in earning potential.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>ICC hands lengthy bans to spot-fixing trio</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114541/spot-fixing-proceedings-begin</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114541/spot-fixing-proceedings-begin#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 11 15:35:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=114541</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ICC tribunal bans Salman Butt for ten years, Mohammad Asif for seven years and Mohammad Amir for five years.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt was banned for 10 years, and fast bowling pair Mohammad Asif for seven years and Mohammad Amir for five years on Saturday after being found guilty of corruption.

The head of the International Cricket Council tribunal Michael Beloff announced the verdict after a lengthy nine-hour hearing in the Qatari capital.

"The Tribunal found that the charges under Article 2.1.1 of the (ICC) code that (respectively) Asif agreed to bowl and did bowl a deliberate no ball in the Lord's Test match played between Pakistan and England from 26 to 29 August 2010.

"Amir agreed to bowl and did bowl two deliberate no balls in the same Test, and Butt was party to the bowling of those deliberate no balls, were proved," said Beloff.

The tribunal then announced that 26-year-old Butt was banned for 10 years.

But it added: "Five years are suspended on condition that he commits no further breach of the code and that he participates under the auspices of the Pakistan Cricket Board in a programme of anti-corruption education."

Asif, 28, received a seven-year ban with two suspended on the same condition while 18-year-old Amir was handed a straight five-year ban.

The charges relate to alleged incidents during the Test against England at Lord's last year, when Britain's News of the World newspaper claimed the players were willing to deliberately bowl no-balls.

The newspaper alleged the three had colluded in a spot-fixing betting scam organised by British-based agent Mazhar Majeed.

The members of the tribunal heard the case for six days last month before deferring the announcement on the request of players' lawyers.

In a separate development on Friday, British prosecutors charged the three players as well as Majeed with corruption offences and summoned them to appear in a London court on March 17.

Saturday's decision followed much argument after the players' lawyers requested the verdict be adjourned as it could prejudice the criminal case.

The trio have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

However the decision is sure to heap further scandal on the corruption-tainted sport, whose marquee event -- the World Cup -- starts in the sub-continent in less than a fortnight.

Cricket was badly hit by the menace of match-fixing in 2000, resulting in life bans on Pakistan's Salim Malik and Ata-ur Rehman, India's Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Sharma and South Africa's Hansie Cronje.

Butt, Amir and Asif became the first players banned over allegations of spot-fixing.

The players have 21 days to appeal against the sanctions in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, based in Switzerland.

Beloff made recommendations to the ICC to make "certain changes to the code with a view to providing flexibility in relation to minimum sentences in exceptional circumstances."

"The tribunal notes that it is for the ICC, whether and, if so when, the fully reasoned decision in respect of the breaches of the Code and of the sanctions imposed in consequence should be published.

"It is our strong and unanimous view that it is in the interests of all concerned in the world of cricket that publication should take place as soon as possible," added Beloff, without taking any questions from media.]]>
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			<title>Spot-fixing controversy: Ominous signs on eve of judgment day</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114467/spot-fixing-controversy-ominous-signs-on-eve-of-judgment-day</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114467/spot-fixing-controversy-ominous-signs-on-eve-of-judgment-day#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 11 02:23:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[umar.farooq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=114467</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A day before Asif, Amir, Butt hear their cricketing fate, a UK court indicts trio, summons them to appear on March 17.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Braced one way, the blow came from the other.

The build up to the day the ‘tainted trio’ are to learn the fate of their cricketing careers – each more promising than the next – could not have been more deflating for one, if not all three players and the nation’s cricket fans.

Friday, the day before Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, will hear the verdict of a three-member independent tribunal regarding match-fixing allegations, saw the three formally indicted by a British court on charges of “conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments” as well as “cheat.”

The only consolation is that the court has also charged UK-based ‘agent’ Mazhar Majeed, who has been disconcertingly absent from the discourse surrounding what could be cricket’s biggest debacle, has also been included in the charges.

Butt, the former Test captain, and pace bowlers Asif and Amir have been accused of conspiring  in the bowling of deliberate no-balls while Majeed is accused of accepting £150,000 to fix the actions of players on last year’s tour of England.

“The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised charges of conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments and also conspiracy to cheat against Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, Salman Butt and Mazhar Majeed,” said Simon Clements, head of the CPS Special Crime Division.

Majeed will appear before City of Westminster Magistrates’ court on March 17 while summons for the three players have been issued for the same date. The CPS further confirmed that extradition will be sought if the three players fail to appear in court.

On their part, the three players, along with their lawyers, are currently in Doha to hear the fate of their cricketing careers in a separate hearing before an independent tribunal, in which the International Cricket Council (ICC) had charged the players with various offences under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Players and Player Support Personnel.

Pakistan’s tour of England last summer was steamrolled by sting operation conducted by Britain’s tabloid newspaper News of the World claiming to have uncovered a “match-fixing” racket.

The charge later became that of “spot-fixing” - where money can be gambled on specific incidents in a match without the need to ‘fix’ the match result.

The operation claimed to have caught the involvement of the tainted trio – that too on tape.

Subsequently, the three players were interviewed by Scotland Yard along with Majeed, whom the newspaper alleged accepted £150,000 to set up the deal. Majeed was arrested, and a third fast bowler, Wahab Riaz, was also interviewed.

The ICC, after suspending the trio, constituted a three-man tribunal to determine charges brought under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code in relation to two Test matches played in August 2010 between Pakistan and England – the Oval Test and the Lord’s Test.

During a six-day hearing, the ICC tribunal had withdrawn all charges against the three players in relation to the Oval Test except for one against Butt.

The CPS, however, has decided that the players also have a case to answer under English law in addition to the ICC hearings.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has been working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service since the allegations of match-fixing became public on 29 August, 2010,” added Clements. “We received a full file of evidence on 7 December, 2010, and we are satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute.”

British law states that obtaining and accepting corrupt payments is an offence contrary to section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906 that can result in a seven-year sentence and unlimited fine. The maximum sentence for cheating is two years.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Trio braced for ICC bombshell decision today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114230/trio-braced-for-icc-bombshell-decision-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/114230/trio-braced-for-icc-bombshell-decision-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 11 18:34:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[agencies]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=114230</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Verdict for Salman, Asif and Amir to be announced in Doha.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Despite suffering a blow after British prosecutors charged Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir with corruption offences, the former Pakistan Test captain dismisses claims that he will receive a life ban for his role in cricket’s alleged spot-fixing scandal. Salman and pace bowlers Asif and Amir are all accused of conspiring in the bowling of deliberate no-balls on last year’s tour of England – claims they all deny.

Reports have claimed that  Salman and Asif could be banned for life while Amir may be handed a five-year suspension by the anti-corruption tribunal which will announce its decision today. The decision is expected to tilt against the trio after the British Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) charges. “I don’t believe in what the media is saying,” said Salman, reacting to British media reports that he and Asif will be banned for life and Amir for five years.

“My lawyer [Yasin Patel] terms the case as 50-50, so at the moment I don’t want to say much. Cricket has been my livelihood, so I want that to carry on and I hope every Pakistani fan prays for me.”

Meanwhile, Amir’s lawyer Shahid Karim has hinted that he may argue that his age and clean disciplinary record to reduce the sanction if the fast-bowler was found to be guilty.

The players are allowed to appeal against the verdict and the punishment and can also challenge a decision based on procedural or jurisdictional reasons. “I would say we will take it one step at a time and come to that when and if needed,” Karim told ESPN cricinfo. “Appealing is an option and a right.”

The tribunal met over six days in January, reading written and hearing audio testimony as well as seeing video evidence. Despite almost 50 hours of deliberations, the three-man tribunal decided to delay a decision.

The tribunal had earlier learnt that they would be pre-empted by the CPS yesterday, who have charged the three cricketers with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments, and conspiracy to cheat.  However, the CPS has confirmed that there is no connection between the timing of their announcement and the International Cricket Council (ICC) hearing in Doha.

The mood is already sombre in cricket-mad Pakistan ahead of the verdict. “I think these players are going to be lost to Pakistan cricket for some years, which is sad,”  said former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Tauqir Zia. “But if it is proven beyond doubt they were guilty of corruption in the sport, the tribunal must make an example of them for a better future of the sport.”

Former Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail added: “When the PCB didn’t do anything the ICC acted and now I don’t think these players are going to be shown any leniency by the ICC.”

The timing and severity of the Doha decision will be crucial with the World Cup starting in two weeks’ time and with the ICC under pressure to clamp down illegal bookmakers. Salman, Asif and Amir were provisionally suspended by the ICC in September 2010, with the world governing body’s code of conduct carrying a minimum five-year ban if corruption charges are proved. The maximum punishment is life out of the game.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>UK charges Pakistan trio with 'spot-fixing'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/113852/113852</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/113852/113852#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 11 11:20:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=113852</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[British prosecutors charged Butt, Asif and Amir with taking bribes for spot-fixing in England last year.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[British prosecutors on Friday charged Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir with taking bribes for spot-fixing in England last year.

The trio was accused of fixing certain incidents, such as the bowling of no-balls at pre-agreed times, during the fourth test at Lord's last August.

Britain's Crown Prosecution Service said the trio, along with a fourth man, sporting agent Mazhar Majeed, had been charged with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments and with conspiracy to cheat.

"These charges relate to allegations that Mr Majeed accepted money from a third party to arrange for the players to bowl `no balls' on 26 and 27 August 2010, during Pakistan's Fourth Test at Lord's Cricket Ground in London," said Simon Clements, head of the CPS Special Crime Division.

He said Majeed had been ordered to appear at London's City of Westminster Magistrates Court on March 17.

"Summons for the same court date have been issued for the three players and they have been asked to return to this country voluntarily, as they agreed to do in September last year," Clements said.

"Their extradition will be sought should they fail to return," he added.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan players, ICC hold breath over verdict</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/113622/pakistan-players-icc-hold-breath-over-verdict</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/113622/pakistan-players-icc-hold-breath-over-verdict#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 11 13:05:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=113622</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Much more will be at stake than three careers on Saturday when the verdict of an anti-corruption tribunal is read.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Much more will be at stake on Saturday than just three careers when lawyer Michael Beloff reads the verdict of an independent anti-corruption tribunal in Doha on cheating allegations facing three Pakistan cricketers.

The three-member tribunal heard the case against Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif last month for more than 45 hours spread over six days, poring over oral and written testimonies, watching video recordings and listening to tapes and forensic submissions.

The cricketers face career-threatening bans if they are found guilty of so-called 'spot-fixing' during Pakistan's test series in England last year. All three have consistently denied wrongdoing.

A British Sunday newspaper report alleged that they had taken bribes to arrange for deliberate no-balls to be delivered at pre-agreed times in the fourth test at Lord's for the benefit of gamblers.

Saturday will be the judgment day at the Qatari capital and many cricket observers see the verdict as an indication of the governing body International Cricket Council's (ICC) sincerity in tackling corruption in the game.

"The verdict will tell us how serious ICC actually is about corruption," cricket historian Boria Majumdar told Reuters.

"At the end of the day, it's the fans who matter most and the scandal has shaken their belief. It's for ICC to restore their belief."

The governing body declined to comment in advance of the hearing when approached this week by Reuters.

"Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has failed to deal firmly with the issue. It's time for ICC to live up to its zero-tolerance policy on corruption," Majumdar said.

The mood is already sombre in cricket-mad Pakistan ahead of the verdict.

"I think these players are going to be lost to Pakistan cricket for some years, which is sad," former PCB chief Tauqir Zia told Reuters.

"But if it is proven beyond doubt they were guilty of corruption in the sport, they (tribunal) must make an example of them for a better future of the sport."

Zia headed the PCB which in 2000 banned former captain, Salim Malik, and pacer Ata-ur-Rehman for life and fined five other players for their involvement in match-fixing.

Former Pakistan skipper Aamir Sohail added: "When the PCB didn't do anything the ICC acted and now I don't think these players are going to be shown any leniency by the ICC."

Another former captain, Rashid Latif, praised the way ICC had tackled the issue but was not convinced that the menace can be rooted out altogether.

"This is a good start. I hope the players have got a fair hearing... it is time the ICC took steps to discourage spot-fixing although this menace can never be eliminated completely from any sport," he said.

Latif felt 18-year-old Amir, if found guilty, might get away with a lighter punishment because of his age but Pakistan batting great Zaheer Abbas advocated stringent action against anyone found guilty.

"No leniency should be shown to anyone who tries to defame cricket because nowadays players are being paid well for their efforts, far more then we earned in our days."

Looking ahead, Pakistan's World Cup winning captain Imran Khan prescribed a ceaseless vigil by the respective boards to curb the menace.

"It has to be a constant vigilance by all cricket boards," Imran told reporters in Mumbai on Wednesday.

"All players' bank accounts should be made transparent. It should to be tapped at a scale not done before and the (corrupt) players should be given exemplary punishments."]]>
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			<title>PCB claim Amir played an unofficial match</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/110515/pcb-claim-amir-played-an-unofficial-match</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/110515/pcb-claim-amir-played-an-unofficial-match#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 11 19:38:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=110515</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Amir barred from all cricket activities until a decision on the spot-fixing case is reached.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reached the conclusion that suspended fast-bowler Mohammad Amir was playing in an unofficial match and hence he did not violate the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption code of conduct.

Amir, along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, has been barred from all cricket activities until a decision on the spot-fixing case is reached.

“The match that Amir bowled in was an unofficial match between two clubs that are not registered with the Rawalpindi Cricket Association,” said the PCB in a statement. “It was also found that no PCB official was present at the venue when the player took part in the game.”

The PCB also confirmed that the team sheets prepared prior to the match did not contain Amir’s name nor was his name listed with any side participating in the tournament. “This game was not part of any official tournament. The PCB has again advised all regional bodies to ensure strict compliance of the ICC directives regarding the three suspended players.”

“It was merely a practice match against a so called Army XI side which has some randomly picked players who were present there at the Pindi Stadium,” Rawalpindi head coach Sabhi Azhar told The Express Tribune. “I wasn’t even present there and when I reached Amir wasn’t there and had returned after bowling some four overs.”

The ICC had written to the PCB asking for details as to why Amir appeared in a friendly club match in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th,  2011.]]>
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			<title>‘I didn’t intentionally violate tribunal orders’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/109468/%e2%80%98i-didn%e2%80%99t-intentionally-violate-tribunal-orders%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/109468/%e2%80%98i-didn%e2%80%99t-intentionally-violate-tribunal-orders%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 11 17:50:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=109468</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Suspended bowler claims it was a misunderstanding.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Suspended fast-bowler Mohammad Amir has said that he did not intend to violate the International Cricket Council (ICC) tribunal’s orders, which stipulates that participation in a friendly match is an offence, and claims it was all a misunderstanding. Amir featured in a practice match at the Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi this week despite a ban from all cricketing activity until a verdict was reached on his spot-fixing case.

The ICC, following reports of Amir playing the match, expressed discontentment and sought an explanation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The three-man ICC tribunal which heard the case of the suspended trio, that also includes former captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, has withheld the ban on the players until the hearing scheduled for February 5.

However, the 18-year old pacer said he did not intentionally violate the ban. “It was just a friendly game and was not a PCB-organised event,” Amir told The Express Tribune. “If it is an offence then it happened due to sheer misunderstanding as I did not intend to violate the order.”

Amir claims that he was unaware that he was even banned to play any club game and denied reports suggesting the PCB was involved. “The PCB wasn’t involved at all so I thought I could play in it.”

PCB questions Amir 

Meanwhile, the PCB has contacted the fast-bowler to seek an explanation over the violation of the tribunal orders. “Yes, the PCB has contacted me to seek an explanation from me,” said the fast-bowler while refusing to give further details of his answer. “I gave them my version and cannot give further details of it.”

‘Amir apologised’

Meanwhile, a PCB official said Amir had apologised for his actions. “Amir apologised for the violation and explained that he was not aware of the limitations of his ban,” said the official.

However, Amir neither accepted nor denied that he apologised for his appearance in the match.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>ICC irked by Amir’s violation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/109135/icc-irked-by-amir%e2%80%99s-violation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/109135/icc-irked-by-amir%e2%80%99s-violation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 11 05:38:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=109135</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A ban by the ICC from all cricketing activities did not stop Amir from playing a practice match at the Pindi Stadium.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its discontentment after suspended Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Amir played a practice match despite a ban from all cricketing activity until a final verdict on the spot-fixing case. Amir was seen in action at the Pindi Stadium in a practice match between two local teams  where he bowled a few overs.

However, the ICC said that it was a violation of orders by the ICC tribunal that heard the cases of three Pakistan players – fast-bowler Mohammad Asif, opener Salman Butt and Amir.

The three-man tribunal, headed by Michael Beloff, held a six-day hearing earlier this month and announced that the three players would remain suspended from all cricketing activities until a final verdict which is due on February 5.

“It is a clear violation of the tribunal order,” an ICC official told The Express Tribune. “The tribunal chief made it clear after the hearing that the trio cannot participate in any cricketing activity and the order should have been respected.”

The official also dismissed any impression that Amir can expect leniency from the ICC.

“There is no question of showing leniency or giving permission to any player after the tribunal’s order.”

The official also lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which failed to ensure tribunal orders are being followed. “The ICC cannot monitor the three players and it is the PCB’s responsibility to assure that the orders are being implemented.”

‘PCB to probe matter’ 

Meanwhile, the PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said that while Amir did not feature in any tournament that comes under the board, it would still investigate how the suspended bowler was allowed to play in the ground which comes under the PCB’s jurisdiction.

“The trio is already barred from all cricketing activities and we would investigate how Amir was allowed to play at the Pindi Stadium,” said the spokesman.  “We would also take necessary action if required.”

He added the board respects tribunal orders and this is the reason why the three players have been kept away from tournaments despite repeated requests by various associations besides also cancelling their central contracts.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>‘Trio to feature in World Cup if cleared’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/104687/%e2%80%98trio-to-feature-in-world-cup-if-cleared%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/104687/%e2%80%98trio-to-feature-in-world-cup-if-cleared%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 11 04:55:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=104687</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PCB chief says ICC requested for late inclusion of Salman, Amir and Asif.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt has said that the suspended trio – Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir – will be included in the World Cup squad if they are cleared from the spot-fixing allegations. The three Pakistan players are awaiting the verdict that was delayed until February 5 after a six-day hearing was held in Doha earlier this month before a three-man tribunal headed by Michael Beloff. The International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager on Cricket David Richardson had earlier said that it will be up to the tournament committee to decide on the inclusion of any player after the deadline, which is January 19, for the final team announcement.

However, the PCB chief, who visited the under construction Benazir Bhutto International Cricket Stadium in Larkana yesterday, told reporters that the board has requested the ICC to allow the late inclusion of the trio if they are cleared.

Meanwhile, Ijaz said that the 15-man squad for the global event will be announced on January 19.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Amir’s lawyer confident after return</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/103351/amir%e2%80%99s-lawyer-confident-after-return</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/103351/amir%e2%80%99s-lawyer-confident-after-return#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 11 19:25:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=103351</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Amir, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif returned to Lahore yesterday after six-day hearing.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Mohammad Amir’s lawyer has labeled the delay in the spot-fixing verdict a ‘silver lining’ and remained hopeful of a favourable verdict when the ICC-appointed tribunal announces a decision on February 5.

Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif returned to Lahore yesterday after the six-day hearing that took place in Doha failing to reach a verdict. While the trio refused to talk to the media, Shahid Karim, Amir’s lawyer, revealed the camp’s satisfaction during proceedings in Doha.

“We had a detailed and positive hearing in Doha,” said Karim. “I can confirm that we were given a fair opportunity to defend our case and they listened to us in an impartial way and the delay in handing out the verdict could be a silver lining for us.

“I’m confident that Amir will be cleared as the tribunal has withdrawn all charges against him in relation to the Oval Test. We have requested the three members of the tribunal to continue their deliberation before reaching any judgment.”

While Karim refused to speak about the possibility of a negative verdict coming their way – and a possibility of the cricketer going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport – he expressed hope and confidence that the tribunal will exonerate the left-arm fast-bowler.

“We’re happy with the way the case had gone on and I don’t believe Amir will be banned. I’m very confident that he will be exonerated so there is no question of thinking that the judgment could go against him.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Mani predicts harsh punishment for trio</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102820/mani-predicts-harsh-punishment-for-trio</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102820/mani-predicts-harsh-punishment-for-trio#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 11 17:27:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=102820</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PCB chairman Tauqir Zia believes that tribunal is likely to announce severe penalties against three players.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani was content with the way the ICC’s anti-corruption tribunal handled the spot-fixing hearing for the Pakistan trio and feels that the suspended cricketers will be handed harsh punishment.

Mani contended that the case will have a huge impact on the cricket world and backed the tribunal’s decision to push the final decision to February 5.

“It’s good that the tribunal is taking its time in reaching a verdict and wants to study all the available material,” said Mani. “This case’s outcome will have a big impact on the future of international cricket and I don’t think there should be any hurry in giving a decision.

“My gut feeling is that all three will be harshly punished. However, I will be very disappointed for Mohammad Amir who is the best young talent around.”

Meanwhile, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Tauqir Zia believes that the tribunal was likely to announce severe penalties against the three players.

“I believe the delay indicates there is plenty of evidence in this case and the players are in for a tough time,” said Zia who also insisted that the tribunal should take its time in reaching a verdict as its outcome will have a big bearing on the future of cricket.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th,  2011.]]>
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			<title>Verdict delayed until Feb 5</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102377/verdict-delayed-until-feb-5</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102377/verdict-delayed-until-feb-5#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 11 19:54:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=102377</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Tribunal to announce spot-fixing judgement at the same venue next month.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The tainted Pakistani trio comprising former captain Salman Butt and fast-bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir would have to wait another month to know their fate as the International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed tribunal delayed announcing its verdict in the spot-fixing case after a six-day hearing that concluded in Doha yesterday.

The tribunal chief Michael Beloff told a media conference after the final day’s hearing that the verdict has been reserved and would be announced on February 5 when a one-day hearing takes place.

Beloff, who is also the head of ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), added that the trio would remain suspended from all forms of cricket until the verdict is delivered next month.

The trio was provisionally suspended last September following a sting operation by The News of The World during Pakistan’s tour of England

Meanwhile, on the final day of hearing the ICC lawyer Jonathan Taylor cited various examples of corruption in other sports including tennis in his closing argument.

Asif’s lawyer opposed delay

The Express Tribune has learnt that Asif’s lawyer, Barrister Cameron, initially opposed the request by the other two players to postpone the verdict. However, following talks among the lawyers, Cameron agreed on the stance taken by the other two.

Amir’s lawyer satisfied

Fast-bowler Amir’s lawyer Shahid Karim expressed his satisfaction on the proceedings of the six-day hearing saying all the stakeholders were given ample chance to give their version.

“The lawyers were given a proper chance to put their case and I’m hopeful the verdict will go in my client’s favour,” Karim told a television channel.

‘Delay to avoid successful challenge with CAS’ 

The tribunal, according to information made available to The Express Tribune, deferred the verdict for a number of reasons with the foremost being maintaining its own integrity in the event of another appeal.

“The lawyers have asked for a delayed verdict but the tribunal decided to postpone the verdict for a month in its own interest,” said an official close to the hearing.

“A lot of documentations and records came under scrutiny during the hearing and the tribunal wants to do proper homework before announcing their decision.

“The panel is well aware that the players, in the event of a ban, would challenge it in the Court of Arbitration for Sports [CAS] so they need time to cover loopholes, if any, to avoid the CAS’ decision going against them.”

Salman under Oval scrutiny

The ICC cleared the fast-bowlers of any charges relating to the Oval Test with the captain still under the scrutiny for the match Pakistan won.

The ICC had earlier charged the trio under various offences during the Lord’s Test, which it refused to share.

Former captain Zaheer Abbas

“It’s absurd. The ICC has kept the players hostage for the last five months and now they have deferred the decision, which is inexplicable.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan trio to learn fate on February 5</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102219/pakistan-trio-to-learn-fate-in-corruption-hearing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102219/pakistan-trio-to-learn-fate-in-corruption-hearing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 11 15:00:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=102219</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[International Cricket Council (ICC) says players will remain suspended.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The International Cricket Council (ICC) tribunal will give its verdict on the three suspended players accused of spot-fixing on February 5, tribunal chairman Michael Beloff said on Tuesday.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif will remain suspended, the ICC said.

Former test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif face lengthy bans if they are found guilty of spot-fixing during Pakistan's test series in England last year.

A British Sunday newspaper reports that they had allegedly taken bribes to arrange for deliberate no-balls to be delivered at pre-agreed times in the fourth test at Lord's.

All three were suspended in September by the International Cricket Council (ICC) which has convened a three-man tribunal chaired by British lawyer Michael Beloff.

The three players, none of whom is being backed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), have all denied any involvement in spot-fixing.

Sources in Pakistan said Butt faced the heaviest ban while Amir and Asif have argued that they were following instructions because they feared they would otherwise be dropped.

Pakistan one-day captain Shahid Afridi and head coach Waqar Younis have been summoned as witnesses at the tribunal.]]>
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			<title>Amir leaves corruption hearing in positive mood</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102250/amir-leaves-corruption-hearing-in-positive-mood</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102250/amir-leaves-corruption-hearing-in-positive-mood#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 11 13:52:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=102250</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Amir's lawyer says confident that hearing has been impartial, hopeful of positive result.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Fast bowler Mohammad Amir said he was hoping for good news and thanked his supporters for their prayers after concluding his involvement in the six-day hearing into corruption allegations on Tuesday.

Amir, former test captain Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif face lengthy bans if found guilty of spot-fixing during Pakistan's test series in England last year.

"When the nation's prayers are with you, you don't feel so scared and there is hope," Amir told Geo TV as he left the Qatar Financial Centre building where the hearing is being held.

"It's been difficult to sleep over the last few nights but my eyes are open now and when good news comes I will hopefully be able to close them properly.

"We are satisfied with how things have gone, and my family's prayers are also with me. I'm feeling good and am hoping for some good news."

Amir is accused of taking bribes to bowl no-balls at arranged times during the Lord's test.

His lawyer Shahid Karim said he hoped the judges would take their time in reaching a decision.

"We have requested the judges to look at the case carefully and properly and with due consideration before they announce the verdict," he said.

"If they have looked at it with thought and consideration, then after we finish they'll tell us if the verdict is announced today or at a later date.

"I am satisfied that the hearing has been very good and impartial, and I can say from our point of view at least we are hopeful. The onus is now on the judges."]]>
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			<title>Players’ lawyers oppose early verdict</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101801/players%e2%80%99-lawyers-oppose-early-verdict</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101801/players%e2%80%99-lawyers-oppose-early-verdict#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 11 18:21:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=101801</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The lawyers have asked tribunal not to rush with announcement, come up with proper reasoning before giving verdict.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The gruelling six-day hearing in the spot-fixing case, featuring three Pakistan players, will conclude today with closing statements by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) legal team and the players’ lawyers.

On the penultimate day of prosecution, fast-bowler Mohammad Asif completed his examination after questioning by the ICC’s lawyers and the independent tribunal.

Asif, according to an official close to the hearing, was mainly questioned on the no-ball that was allegedly delivered on the orders of Mazhar Majeed during the Lord’s Test. The fast-bowler maintained his innocence and told the tribunal that the delivery was not intentional and came as a result of attempting to generate increased pace after being asked by his captain Salman Butt.

The ICC’s lawyer Jonathan Taylor started the closing argument after the cross-examination with Asif before the end of the fifth day’s proceedings.

“The ICC’s legal team would start the final day of the hearing by summing up their case following which the players’ lawyers would give their closing statements that would bring the hearing to an end,” said the official.

Meanwhile, the tribunal chief Michael Beloff has invited members of the media this morning to brief them. Chances of Beloff announcing the verdict are slim but cannot be ruled out.

Tribunal urged to delay verdict 

The official added that the lawyers of Salman (Yaseen Patel) and Mohammad Amir (Shahid Karim) pleaded to the tribunal to delay the verdict instead of passing it immediately after the hearing.

“The lawyers have asked the tribunal not to rush with the announcement and come up with proper reasoning before giving their verdict,” said the official.

Meanwhile, according to a British television channel, the ICC lawyers also handed phone records obtained during the investigation by the Scotland Yard to the tribunal, following objections regarding the timing of the scandal which broke after the no-balls were delivered.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Salman’s lengthy cross ends</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101483/salman%e2%80%99s-lengthy-cross-ends</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101483/salman%e2%80%99s-lengthy-cross-ends#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jan 11 19:19:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=101483</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Examination that spanned for almost two days mainly focused on queries regarding no-balls by Amir.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt’s gruelling cross-examination was completed after the fourth day’s proceedings of the spot-fixing case underway against three Pakistan players in Doha, Qatar. According to information made available, fast-bowler Mohammad Amir also faced queries from the International Cricket Council (ICC) lawyers.

The ICC-appointed tribunal headed by Michael Belloff, wanted to spend most of the time listening to the suspended opener, citing his importance throughout the spot-fixing saga, according to an official.

“Salman owed a lot that had to be told to the lawyers and the tribunal because he was the captain when the matter was unveiled,” said the official while revealing proceedings of the hearing.

The examination that spanned for almost two days mainly focused on queries regarding no-balls by Amir and Asif besides cash and valuables found in the players’ room during the raid by the Scotland Yard.

“Salman said that he asked Amir to deliver the no-ball to unsettle the batsman,” said the official.

‘Amir echoed Salman’s
version’ 

The official added that Amir, during a shorter trial on the second session of the day, echoed the words of his captain and said that he was told to bowl the no-ball.

The young fast-bowler also told the hearing that he finalised a deal with bookie Mazhar Majeed who was already serving as Salman’s agent.

“Amir pleaded he only knew Majeed as a players’ agent and finalised a deal, according to which Majeed was to work as his agent after the England Test series,” said the official.

Meanwhile, the fifth day will start with Asif’s examination following which the tribunal will hear closing arguments from both the sides.

“The ICC lawyer Jonathan Taylor will give the closing statement if Asif’s examination is completed [on Monday] as the tribunal has already heard from all the relevant people.”

Pakistan limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi, coach Waqar Younis, team’s former security manager Khawaja Najam and Mazhar Mahmood, the News of The World reporter who revealed the spot-fixing scandal, have already recorded their statements.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Spot-fixing case: Najam reveals players’ breach of conduct</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101203/spot-fixing-case-najam-reveals-players%e2%80%99-breach-of-conduct</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101203/spot-fixing-case-najam-reveals-players%e2%80%99-breach-of-conduct#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jan 11 06:35:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=101203</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former security manager says Mazhar and Azhar Majeed were seen in Wahab Riaz’s room during the third Test in England.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Former security manager of Pakistan’s national cricket team Khwaja Najam has said that alleged bookie Mazhar Majeed and his brother Azhar were seen in Wahab Riaz’s room during the third Test in England.

Najam was testifying in front of the independent tribunal currently conducting a hearing into spot-fixing allegations against three Pakistani players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, in Doha, Qatar, The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported.

Najam also confirmed that despite repeated warnings, some of the players refused to distance themselves from the Majeed brothers. “After being spotted in London, the brothers were told to leave the hotel room in 30 seconds,” he said.

“The Majeed brothers were seen during the World Twenty20 in the West Indies and the players were told to stay away from them,” APP quoted Najam as saying. “When I saw Azhar in Riaz’s room in London, I asked the fast bowler to bring him out. Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt were also sitting with them. When Azhar came out, one of the national team selectors also accompanied him and said he wanted match tickets from Riaz.”

Najam said that the selector saw Azhar out of the hotel while Salman and Akmal apologised for the breach.

Najam also said that he was present when the police raided Butt’s room and found Rs5.9 million worth of valuables. While £250 were said to be given to him by his agent, Butt said that the rest of the stuff – including two expensive watches – was part of his sister’s dowry. “His body language was very tense and he was speaking very loudly [when he was being questioned],” Najam said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Salman quizzed on his gaze</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100507/salman-quizzed-on-his-gaze</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100507/salman-quizzed-on-his-gaze#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 11 18:37:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[fawad.hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=100507</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Evidence against three Pakistan players where no-ball by fast-bowler Mohammad Amir remained the centre of discussion.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed tribunal presented evidence against three Pakistan players where the no-ball by fast-bowler Mohammad Amir remained the centre of discussion on the second day of hearing for the spot-fixing allegations underway in Doha.

The three-man tribunal, headed by Michael Beloff and one that also includes Justice Albie Sachs (South Africa) and Sharad Rao (Kenya), was presented with evidence that was collected by the ICC against the trio.

According to an official close to the hearing, Beloff started the second day’s proceedings by questioning Amir’s no-ball and questioned then-captain Salman on his stance and gaze when the ball was being delivered.

“The tribunal, after the start of proceedings, raised a question on Salman’s body language and why the captain was looking at the bowler’s end instead of looking the batsman [Alistair Cook],” said the official.

“He pointed out that the fielders keep a vigilant look on the batsman and showed his surprise on Salman looking at the bowler even after Amir delivered the ball,” said the official.

The alleged bookmaker Mazhar Majeed, in a sting operation by The News of  The World that revealed the spot-fixing scandal, claimed that he paid the players for delivering no-balls at pre-determined points in the match.

The ICC, in the meantime, presented their complete case during the course of the day against the three players. The players who recorded their initial statements also recorded their further versions in light of the evidence put against them.

On the third day, according to the official, the lawyers would be given a chance to present their case in favour of their clients.

“The lawyers would present their case before the ICC tribunal and would be given full chance to clarify evidences against their clients.”

Salman is represented by Yasin Patel while Alex Cameron is fighting the case for Mohammad Asif. Amir is being assisted by lawyer Shahid Karim.

Afridi supports trio

Pakistan limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi has supported the accused trio as he gave his statements to the ICC tribunal via a teleconference from Karachi.

Afridi was quizzed for 15 minutes in the hearing during which he tried to defend the three players.

“Afridi supported the three players with his statements,” said the official. “The tribunal and the lawyers of Asif and Amir asked questions.”

Afridi also recorded his statements to the ICC earlier along with coach Waqar Younis and former security manager of Pakistan team Khawaja Najam. The statements, which were later leaked, suggested that the three doubted the accused players’ integrity.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Trio plead not guilty at tribunal hearing</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100338/trio-plead-guilty-at-tribunal-hearing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100338/trio-plead-guilty-at-tribunal-hearing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 11 09:57:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=100338</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Salman Butt says he did not know how Majeed could have predicted when the no-ball would be bowled.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The independent tribunal hearing the case of spot-fixing allegations against Pakistani cricketers resumed in Doha on Friday. 

Thursday's hearing saw Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir giving statements to the tribunal and sitting through more than seven hours of evidence.

According to a report by the BBC, Butt told the tribunal that he did not know how Mazhar Majeed could have predicted when the no-balls would be bowled while Amir, towing the same line, told them that he did not know why Majeed said what he said to the News of the World.

However, Asif told them that his no ball was a mistake as he was just trying to bowl a faster delivery on the instructions of the then-captain Butt.

Pakistan's one-day captain Shahid Afridi is expected to give his testimony to the tribunal via video link today from Karachi. The News of the World journalist who broke the story, Mazher Mahmood, will also talk to the tribunal. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is relying heavily on the newspaper’s evidence.

ICC’s Code of Conduct Commissioner Michael Beloff will chair the tribunal with the two other Code of Conduct Commissioners, Justice Albie Sachs from South Africa and Sharad Rao from Kenya, completing the tribunal.

The three players have pleaded not guilty and remain hopeful of getting their names cleared during the six-day hearing.]]>
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			<title>‘Selectors are influenced by match-fixers’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100053/%e2%80%98selectors-are-influenced-by-match-fixers%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100053/%e2%80%98selectors-are-influenced-by-match-fixers%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 11 04:35:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[faras.ghani]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=100053</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Omission of Karachi players due to clean background, claims KCCA.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s selection committee has come under heavy fire from the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) which has termed the omission of various Karachi-based players from the 30-man World Cup squad a way to promote match-fixing.

Notable omissions from the preliminary squad include Fawad Alam, Mohammad Sami and Khalid Latif, all of whom represented Pakistan in the last year.

However, according to the KCCA President Sirajul Islam Bukhari, the trio’s absence is because of their clean background.

“These players have a clean background which is why they haven’t been selected for the World Cup,” Bukhari told The Express Tribune. “The selection committee is under the influence of match-fixers and that’s the reason they’ve selected players with a questionable past.

“We see a gradual overlooking of Karachi players and it’s all because of the match-fixing issues. None of the cricketers coming under the scanner recently are from Karachi. Danish Kaneria [questioned by Scotland Yard] was the only one suspected but was cleared last year.”

Bukhari also questioned the continued omission of fast-bowler Sohail Khan who made his debut for Pakistan in 2008 but has failed to cement a regular spot in the squad.

Kamran Akmal, according to the KCCA president, was glaring proof of how suspected individuals keep returning to the squad.

“Akmal was a doubtful inclusion due to his alleged involvements with bookmakers and now he’s back in the squad despite being overlooked for the last two tours.

“I’m glad Shoaib Malik hasn’t been included otherwise things would’ve been worse for Pakistan cricket at a time when we’re already under so much scrutiny.”

Akmal is the second highest run-scorer in the ongoing Quaid-i-Azam Trophy with 767 runs from nine matches while Malik has scored 745 in just five matches at an average of over 120.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Cricketers in trouble</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/99982/cricketers-in-trouble</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/99982/cricketers-in-trouble#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 11 19:45:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=99982</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[There is no denying that Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir are in trouble.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Even if we adopt the traditional innocent-until-proven-guilty posture, there is no denying that Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir are in trouble. It was not just their careers that were on the line as their spot-fixing hearings began in Doha, Qatar on January 6. How the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reacts to the likely guilty verdict will show a lot about the future of cricket in the country.

Of the three accused, Butt is least likely to be allowed to play cricket ever again. By all accounts, he was the ringleader of the alleged cheaters and it was in his room that a large amount of cash was found. If found guilty, nothing short of a life ban would suffice. The same is true of Asif. Having survived two drug busts, the pacer doesn’t deserve a third chance. In his off-and-on career, Asif has been as indiscreet off the field as he has been brilliant on it. But talent is no defence. Age, however, may be grounds for leniency. Amir, given his youth, can surely plead for leniency. If a guilty verdict is forthcoming, it would be appropriate to give him a shorter ban — say, two years. That should be a punishment sufficient to deter him from future misdemeanours without destroying his career.

A guilty verdict should also bring a long overdue end to Ijaz Butt’s disastrous tenure as chairman of the PCB. It says a lot about his mismanagement that, despite the rumours which had been swirling since our tour to Australia at the start of 2010, it was a tabloid that finally forced us to look seriously at corruption in the game. Butt’s defensiveness after the damning allegations were aired, going so far as to baselessly accuse the English of match-fixing, should have been the last time he was allowed to embarrass Pakistani cricket. We desperately need a chairman of unimpeachable honesty who will be able to overhaul our decrepit system. Ijaz Butt is not the man for that job.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Anti-corruption tribunal opens</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/99861/anti-corruption-tribunal-opens</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/99861/anti-corruption-tribunal-opens#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 11 06:57:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=99861</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Make-or-break anti-corruption tribunal against cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir opens in Doha.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A make-or-break anti-corruption tribunal against Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir opened in Doha Thursday with the players facing lengthy bans if found guilty.

"It has just started. All three players are here," an International Cricket Council official told AFP from the closed door hearing at the Qatar Financial Centre.

It is scheduled to run until January 11, although lawyers have indicated a verdict may come earlier.

The three face charges of spot-fixing during Pakistan's tour of England last year in a scandal that rocked the sport. It is alleged that they conspired in the bowling of deliberate no-balls -- claims they all deny.

Amir entered the building first, followed soon after by Asif. They came separately by car. Both wore dark suits, but no ties and did not speak with the media.

Butt arrived just before the hearing was due to start, also in a suit and open collar.

The three-man independent hearing is being led by code of conduct commissioner and leading lawyer Michael Beloff of England, aided by Justice Albie Sachs from South Africa and Kenyan Sharad Rao.

Rao told waiting journalists that he felt the future of cricket was bright.

"It is very important for cricket but I can't comment very much on it because we haven't even started," he said.

"The future of cricket is good because I think that's what this exercise is about. So it should be a very clean game and we can rely on the result of this."

"Spot-fixing" controversy timeline

August 29, 2010

The News of the World says it paid 150,000 pounds (230,000 dollars) to a middle man in return for details about the timing of three no-balls in Pakistan's fourth Test against England at Lord's.

The report says Amir Asif delivered the blatant no-balls at exact points in the match agreed with the alleged fixer.

The trio are interviewed by Scotland Yard detectives.

News of the World publishes photograph of the alleged middle man, Mazhar Majeed, counting wads of banknotes given to him by a reporter posing as a front man for a betting syndicate. Majeed is later bailed.

August 30

There are suggestions that Butt, Amir and Asif could be withdrawn from the Pakistan team to ensure that two Twenty20 internationals in Cardiff go ahead.

August 31

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) says it will not suspend its players while investigations continue.

Butt, Amir and Asif summoned to meet the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ijaz Butt, and the Pakistan high commissioner, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, in London.

September 2

Salman Butt, Amir and Asif dropped from the Twenty20 games.

The three vow to clear their names, according to Hasan, who adds that they are pulling out of the tour because of the "mental torture" of the scandal.

ICC charges Butt, Amir and Asif with various offences under its anti-corruption code. All three are provisionally suspended.

September 3

Ronnie Flanagan, chairman of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, tells reporters: "The conclusion that we have come to is that there is a really arguable case to answer."

September 4

Pakistan one-day skipper Shahid Afridi apologises for the "spot-fixing" row, saying: "On behalf of these boys -- I know they are not in this series -- I want to say sorry to all cricket lovers and all the cricketing nations."

News of the World claims a fourth Pakistan player is being probed over the claims, but declines to name him for "legal reasons".

September 5

News of the World releases footage of Pakistan Test player Yasir Hameed in which he claims team-mates "were doing it (fixing) in every match".

September 17

Police pass the "spot-fixing" file to the Crown Prosecution Service.

September 18

ICC launches investigation into the third one-dayer at The Oval -- won by Pakistan -- after receiving information from the Sun tabloid on allegedly pre-arranged scoring patterns. It later emerges that the ICC tried to persuade the ECB to call off the Oval match shortly before the start.

September 19

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt alleges England were paid "enormous amounts of money" to lose deliberately at The Oval.

September 20

England team threaten to sue Ijaz Butt.

September 22

England, having been pulled back from 2-0 up to 2-2, beat Pakistan by 121 runs at the Rose Bowl to take the five-match series 3-2 in the final fixture of the English season.

September 29

Ijaz Butt withdraws allegations that England players had "thrown" the third one-day international.

October 4

Chairman of non-league English football club Croydon Athletic David Le Cluse, 44, found dead from gunshot wounds in a garage near his home in Sutton, south of London. The owner of the club is Mazhar Majeed.

October 13

The ICC says there is no evidence of corruption in the third one-day international between Pakistan and England.

October 22

Asif withdraws challenge to his provisional suspension.

November 4

Pakistan suspends the contracts of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

December 13

Salman Butt denies allegations he was involved in a spot-fixing scam, saying: "I have not done anything such as this in all my life or cricketing career".

January 6

A three-man independent anti-corruption tribunal against Butt, Asif and Amir opens in Doha, led by code of conduct commissioner and leading lawyer Michael Beloff of England.]]>
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