ICC irked by Amir’s violation

A ban by the ICC from all cricketing activities did not stop Amir from playing a practice match at the Pindi Stadium.

KARACHI: 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 26^th, 2011.