Pakistan cricket fraternity not as forgiving as ICC

Rashid Latif, Mohsin Khan and Bazid Khan are just few of the several cricketers against the tainted players inclusion


Sports Desk August 20, 2015
PHOTO: AFP

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the three exiled cricketers of Pakistan Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Mohammad Amir can return to competitive cricket after September 1, but the domestic cricketing community remains divided over whether the tainted cricketers should be allowed to represent the national team again.

Read: Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif allowed to play cricket after September 1

Former captain of Pakistan, Rashid Latif is vehemently against their inclusion in the national squad.

"I will not support their comeback to international cricket simply because they will replace someone who might not be as talented as them but has done nothing ethnically or morally wrong and has not indulged in corruption," said Latif, as quoted by Press Trust of India.

"This is the biggest injustice you can do to players who play clean cricket."

Latif’s opinion is shared by several others who have advised the Pakistan Cricket Board to not allow the trio to return.

"The way I look at, this situation it is very wrong for that person to play again for Pakistan who has been involved in corruption and cheating. It is not right for those players who have played by the rules," Latif restated.

Speaking against corruption in cricket is not new territory for Latif as he was the one who revealed the team’s illegal activities in the 90s. His account of the unlawful practices amongst the players led to the Justice Malik Qayyum report which recommended a life ban on Salim Malik and Ataur Rehman and fines for five other players for not cooperating in the judicial inquiry.

Of the five, two were Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed who are currently employed as coaches in the Pakistan team.

Former chief selector and head coach of Pakistan, Mohsin Khan, also shared Latif’s views.

"These players might have served their punishment but to me it is a huge crime selling or fixing a game involving your country and once you do that you don't deserve a second chance," said Mohsin.

"I belong to the old school of thought and to me it seems very difficult to accommodate or integrate these players back into the national side," he added.

Former Test opener and presently a cricket analyst, Bazid Khan feels that these players have treated their sport and the country their respected in the worst possible manner.

"They have served their bans but I think the PCB needs to make them and others realise the consequences of their crime. It has to set an example for others. Maybe allow them play domestic cricket but not international cricket," said Bazid.

Former captain and famous cricket commentator, Ramiz Raja is yet another cricketer who is against the return of these players.

However, some cricketers such as Muhammad Yousuf, also spoke in favour of allowing the banished players to comeback.

"The way I look at it if they play domestic cricket and perform well they will be considered for national selection. I don't think either Misbahul Haq or Azhar Ali will have any problems playing with them," he said.

"I also look at it this way: they did something wrong and bad and they were punished for it. Other players have been allowed back after being guilty of corruption and serving bans so why not these three," Yousuf questioned.

Basit Ali is another former Test batsman who shared Yousuf’s viewpoint.

"What has happened has happened and they have accepted their guilt as well and apologised to the nation. Everyone makes mistakes. So why shouldn't they be given a chance to play for Pakistan again depending on their performances," Basit said.

While the bowler Amir is already participating in domestic matches, Butt revealed yesterday that he will also be performing for the Lahore Blues team in the National T20 Championship to be held in Rawalpindi from September 1.

"I have kept myself fit and strong by playing local cricket matches and training at nets every day. I am prepared for this big moment," Butt said.

"I regret and apologise for what had happened but I have learnt my lesson and I want a chance to be a better person now," he said.

Asif mirrored Butt’s sentiments and while speaking on a television channel said that he was looking forward to playing domestic cricket again.

"If I perform and do well I deserve to be considered for selection. It is always a fact that best players are given a chance to play and represent their country," said Asif.

COMMENTS (6)

Khan | 8 years ago | Reply They should never be aloud to play
Aurang zaib | 8 years ago | Reply Why not....if through NRO one can become president and prime minister of pakistan....why they cannot play....
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