Salman quizzed on his gaze

Evidence against three Pakistan players where no-ball by fast-bowler Mohammad Amir remained the centre of discussion.

KARACHI: 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 8^th, 2011.