Spot-fixing trial: Imran deeply hurt but accepts verdict
Former captains bemoan loss but back sentence as lesson for Pakistan.
KARACHI/LAHORE:
Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has expressed deep sorrow after the three cricketers were sentenced in London yesterday.
Khan was dejected by the outcome of the hearing and termed it a sad event for the country.
“I feel for the players and their families, especially Mohammad Amir, who was a promising player but he destroyed his career,” said Khan before adding that the offender should get the punishment he deserves. “Pakistan has the best talent in the world and such deeds have affected our standing. The offender must get the punishment.”
However, Khan did feel that the offences are committed everywhere and not just Pakistan.
Meanwhile, another former captain Rashid Latif said that the sentences were deserved.
“I think they deserved it, they had it due,” Latif told AFP. “But now the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board should also take action against them. These convictions will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others because cricket should not be allowed to be corrupted by anyone and that is very serious for all of us.”
Former captain, coach and manager Intikhab Alam said it was a sad state of affairs.
“I would call it a black day for Pakistan cricket,” he said. “I feel sad for the boys because I spent so much time with them but what they’ve done they must pay for it. They have let their families and the whole nation and million of fans down, which is very shocking.”
Meanwhile, former captain Aamir Sohail decided to rest part of the blame with the International Cricket Council.
“It’s not good news for Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. The ICC is responsible too. They are spending millions on the anti-corruption unit and still these events take place.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2011.
Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has expressed deep sorrow after the three cricketers were sentenced in London yesterday.
Khan was dejected by the outcome of the hearing and termed it a sad event for the country.
“I feel for the players and their families, especially Mohammad Amir, who was a promising player but he destroyed his career,” said Khan before adding that the offender should get the punishment he deserves. “Pakistan has the best talent in the world and such deeds have affected our standing. The offender must get the punishment.”
However, Khan did feel that the offences are committed everywhere and not just Pakistan.
Meanwhile, another former captain Rashid Latif said that the sentences were deserved.
“I think they deserved it, they had it due,” Latif told AFP. “But now the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board should also take action against them. These convictions will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others because cricket should not be allowed to be corrupted by anyone and that is very serious for all of us.”
Former captain, coach and manager Intikhab Alam said it was a sad state of affairs.
“I would call it a black day for Pakistan cricket,” he said. “I feel sad for the boys because I spent so much time with them but what they’ve done they must pay for it. They have let their families and the whole nation and million of fans down, which is very shocking.”
Meanwhile, former captain Aamir Sohail decided to rest part of the blame with the International Cricket Council.
“It’s not good news for Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. The ICC is responsible too. They are spending millions on the anti-corruption unit and still these events take place.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2011.