Spot-fixing verdict: No bitterness, says bookie’s brother

Azhar hurt by fingers pointed at him during trial.

Azhar Majeed, brother of convicted agent Mazhar, has said that he has no bitterness towards Salman Butt or any of the other two cricketers who were sentenced on Thursday after their role in fixing parts of a Test in Lord’s last year, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Azhar, who was also named during the trial proceedings, but was never questioned by authorities, said he was hurt by accusations that he was a partner in crime to Mazhar.

“I don’t feel bitterness towards Butt,” said Azhar. “In fact, I feel responsible myself because I’m the one who introduced my brother to cricket and to cricket players.”

Azhar added the family was heartbroken seeing Mazhar go to prison.

“My parents are heartbroken that their son is going to prison. We knew he would be going to prison but it still doesn’t make this any easier.”

The former agent was also hurt that players, whom he had helped earn a lot of money, did not contact him after the scandal broke.

“They are so scared that I am Mazhar’s brother. It’s guilt by association.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th,  2011.