Integrity committee: Contrasting outlook for Malik and Kaneria

Former captain likely to be cleared, leg-spinner perplexed by transcript saga.

LAHORE:

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria will have to wait a bit longer in their bid to be cleared for national reckoning after the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Integrity Committee held their decision for an indefinite period following yesterday’s hearing.

The duo, kept on the sidelines for their alleged links with bookies, appeared before the committee in Lahore where the proceedings were headed by the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt, also the chief of the Integrity Committee.

“The committee has held its decision for further deliberation,” PCB spokesperson Nadeem Sarwar told The Express Tribune.

Kaneria fails to submit transcript

An official close to the integrity committee confirmed that Kaneria, who was investigated by the Essex police for alleged spot-fixing during last season’s county match before being cleared, failed to provide the sought transcript of police inquiry.

The Sindh High Court (SHC), where the leg-spinner filed the petition against the PCB for his continued non-clearance, had also asked the cricketer to provide the transcript to the integrity committee. However, Kaneria, who despite repeated attempts, was unable to get the document from the authorities has submitted a legal opinion from England, which the bowler will also submit to the SHC in his August 18 hearing.

“The integrity committee is not convinced with the legal opinion given by the cricketer,” said the official. “It may now wait for the SHC’s verdict before giving its decision on the spinner.”

Kaneria, meanwhile, remained optimistic.

“I am very hopeful that the decision will go in my favour,” said Kaneria. “I can’t say much on the case because it is still pending in the court.”

Malik upbeat about return

Meanwhile, things looked better for Malik who was denied clearance after failing to convince the integrity committee of matters pertaining to his bank account.

“Malik has submitted various documents and came up with various explanations. His case is also under thorough consideration.”

The former captain, though, said he was ready to make his international comeback.

“I am ready to perform in the Zimbabwe series, if given the chance,” Malik told reporters in Lahore. “I am working hard for a comeback and it has always been a pride representing Pakistan.”



Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2011.