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Afridi advises PCB against making hasty decisions regarding return of tainted trio

Afridi says every decision should be weighed carefully as the future of Pakistan cricket is at stake

Sports Desk August 27, 2015

PHOTO: AFP

Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday against making hasty decision regarding the return of disgraced cricketers Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Amir to competitive cricket.

"I would only ask the PCB to make any decision on these players very carefully after giving it much thought," Afridi said, while speaking to media representatives during a visit to the Jinnah hospital, according to the Press Trust of India.

"No decision should be taken in haste since the future of Pakistan cricket and future generation of cricketers are at stake," he added.

‘Boom Boom’ said Pakistan cricket and its image had suffered a lot because of the scandal and it had taken several years for the team to regain their dignity.

"I would just stay the board should think hard and discuss everything before taking a decision on these players."

Recently, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and head of the executive committee, Najam Sethi, confirmed that many of the players, including members of the Pakistan team, are uncomfortable with the idea of playing with the tainted trio.

Afridi was captaining the three formats on tour to England in 2010 when the spot-fixing scandal took place. It was after he resigned as captain and retired from Test cricket after the first Test that PCB appointed Salman Butt to lead the team in the remaining Tests against Australia and England. The spot-fixing occurred in the fourth Test at Lord’s.

The veteran cricketer is said to have played an essential role in capture of a few culprits who were involved in suspicious play.

COMMENTS (5)

Michael | 8 years ago | Reply I find it so strange when Pakistani talk about honesty and grace. The whole world knows where Pakistanis stand in terms of honesty, respect and morality. Amir is good to watch as a cricketer so bring him back.

shoaib | 8 years ago | Reply Mr Afridi, you are saying as you haven't disgraced Pakistan Cricket . Remember an ODI when you had bitten a ball ,What did happen to you at that time ? Had you lost your consciousness at that time and then simply you apologized from Pak people and people did forgive you. Before pointing your finger to anyone look at your ownself first. I might be the biggest fan of you but you are absolutely wrong this time and beware of passing such comments to any of your team mates. We all have to pay for our own deeds what we have done in this life . And if any has enough paid for his mistake then its not you to decide for his future.