KARACHI/LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has expressed deep sorrow after the three cricketers were sentenced in London yesterday.
Khan was dejected by the outcome of the hearing and termed it a sad event for the country.
“I feel for the players and their families, especially Mohammad Amir, who was a promising player but he destroyed his career,” said Khan before adding that the offender should get the punishment he deserves. “Pakistan has the best talent in the world and such deeds have affected our standing. The offender must get the punishment.”
However, Khan did feel that the offences are committed everywhere and not just Pakistan.
Meanwhile, another former captain Rashid Latif said that the sentences were deserved.
“I think they deserved it, they had it due,” Latif told AFP. “But now the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board should also take action against them. These convictions will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others because cricket should not be allowed to be corrupted by anyone and that is very serious for all of us.”
Former captain, coach and manager Intikhab Alam said it was a sad state of affairs.
“I would call it a black day for Pakistan cricket,” he said. “I feel sad for the boys because I spent so much time with them but what they’ve done they must pay for it. They have let their families and the whole nation and million of fans down, which is very shocking.”
Meanwhile, former captain Aamir Sohail decided to rest part of the blame with the International Cricket Council.
“It’s not good news for Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. The ICC is responsible too. They are spending millions on the anti-corruption unit and still these events take place.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2011.
COMMENTS (4)
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The players did a wrong. They have received punishment greater than the crime in my opinion. You only have to look at the English law and see that they didn't jail Matt Letissier (footballer) when he spot fixed on a football game AND I don't think bowling a few no balls in this case warrants Jail! As far as Pakistan goes, and some fools are asking that these boys be tried for treason and receive further punishment? They have suffered enough. As muslims, our mercy should be greater than our anger and lets be honest, if we tried our country for corruption very few would be spared :( The boys are a product of our own corrupt society. Their failure is as much our own failure to stop the rot.
once they complete their prison sentences they should be handcuffed back to pakistan and be tried for treason and bringing shame to the nation.
@syed: dear, this is a conspiracy against innocent Pakistanis. Every one is against Pakistan, whole world wants to defame us. Don't worry, one day we will conquer the whole world.
every team is involved in match fixing, so why are only Pakistanis just targeted? Why not Indians and Australians?