PCB in damage control mode

Players awareness programme to minimise corruption, discipline related issues: Bari.

KARACHI: The spot-fixing verdict has put the careers of the three players on hold for at least five years but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking the opportunity to use the case as an example as it educates players in a training programme being run on the lines of international standards.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were handed out different sanctions after their role during the England tour last year.

Following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) guidelines in the aftermath of the spot-fixing scandal, the PCB initiated the Education and Training programme. The purpose was to enforce the code of conduct and anti-corruption measures to cleanse domestic cricket.

Wasim Bari, the former Test wicket-keeper who has served the board, is at the helm of the training programme.

“I can assure a big change in the cricketers,” Bari told The Express Tribune. “In the light of extensive work being done on their training and education, the issue will be resolved. It was very unfortunate that the players in the past were ignorant but things will change.”

‘Program has international standards’

Bari said the players are being trained according to international cricket guidelines. “Players are being taught on a variety of things from corruption awareness to behaviour in the dressing room. We’re also educating players on awareness on spot-fixing and on how to escape the trap by bookies.”

Bari also added that in the case of an approach by a bookie, the players were told to inform the ICC immediately.

Bari said the players are also being educated on other disciplinary issues. “We’re also informing them about codes of violation in international cricket including what should be avoided in dressing rooms like use of cell phones and laptops,” said the 62-year old.

Mode of training

Bari said that in the first stage, his team that includes referees, umpires and the board’s HR officials is educating players during tournaments being held under the PCB banner.

“As many as 22 teams are taking part in our programme. So far 320 players have attended our programme that includes lectures. The idea is to ensure smooth communication and we’re preparing guidelines in both languages for the players.”

The second stage

The former PCB chief operating officer said that the second stage would entail training the players on rationalism code and behaviour with umpires.

“I’m very optimistic about future and confident the country would give well disciplined and educated players to international cricket,” he said. “It’s very difficult to bring an overhaul change but one thing is certain the education programme will minimise disciplinary issues and hopefully would end corruption stigma involving Pakistan cricketers.”

PCB may educate trio

The PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has hinted it may include the disgraced trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Amir in the board’s education and rehabilitation programme.

Salman was banned for 10 years, with five years suspended, Asif was handed a seven-year ban, with two years suspended, while Amir received a five-year sanction by the ICC tribunal.

“I hope that this unfortunate saga is put to rest and we can concentrate on cricket. We will continue to work with the ICC on this sensitive matter,” said Butt as he hinted including the trio in the training programme. “We will also see how we can help the three players with their education and rehabilitation programme.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2011.