Mani, Zaheer lash out at PCB

While some welcomed the ICC’s decision, saying it will rid cricket of corruption, others lashed out at PCB.

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) verdict drew a mixed reaction from former players and officials after the three Pakistan players – Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif – were banned for their role in spot-fixing during the England tour in August last year. The three players, handed out different sanctions, will be out of cricket action for atleast five years.

While some welcomed the ICC’s decision, saying it will rid cricket of corruption, others lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not acting quick enough when the allegations first came into light.

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan said that while the decision will not end the practice of match-fixing or spot-fixing, the sanctions will serve as a lesson to other players. The former wicket-keeper added that the trio should challenge the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“The decision will not entirely end the practice of match-fixing or spot-fixing but would surely help control the menace.”

Moin said that the ICC must have had solid evidence against these players and hence the harsh punishments were handed out.

‘Careers of Salman, Asif over’

Moin further commented that Salman and Asif should consider their international careers over after the bans. The 26-year-old Salman was sanctioned for 10 years of ineligibility, “five years of which are suspended on the condition that he doesn’t commit further breaches of the code, and that he participates under the auspices of the PCB in a programme of anti-corruption education,” said the ICC.

Asif, 28, was handed a seven-year ban, of which two are suspended.

“It’s hard for Salman and Asif to make a comeback even after five years let alone after the entire duration. “Amir is young so he still has a chance.”

‘PCB is to blame’

Former ICC president Ehsan Mani said that the entire
responsibility lay with the PCB.

“As the verdict is now out, the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt should resign immediately because all of this happened under the board’s nose.”.

He further said the decision was not at all biased and people like Beloff are not prejudiced.

“People like Beloff are clean. In some sense, the suspended sentences will help the players return if they stay clean and now its all up to the PCB to keep a check on these players.”

Another former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas said that the career of these players have finished and the blame rests with the PCB.

“It’s a great setback for Pakistan cricket and the entire nation.

“The PCB is responsible for all this and it is now their turn to teach the young players what corruption can lead to,” said Abbas.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2011.