‘Innocent until proven guilty’

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said that it would be hasty to label the accused Pakistani players as culprits amid reactions from around the world assuming the allegations to be true.

The spot-fixing allegations were levelled after a British tabloid News of the World claimed that 35-year-old Mazhar Majeed instructed two Pakistan fast-bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir to bowl no balls at specified moments.

But Akram, who played 104 Tests and 356 One-Day Internationals (ODI) over 19 years, said, “The team morale is really down after the allegations. The media in Pakistan has already given its verdict on but one must wait for the allegations to be proven.

“These claims are bad for the game and the team but we should wait to hear the other side of the story too. The saying ‘innocent unless proven guilty’ must be applied to the players.”

The pace legend said that the row has saddened the entire nation and hence a strong reaction has followed. “It’s a bad time for Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. The whole nation is depressed. Let’s see what happens.”

Akram, who also coaches Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders, added that Pakistan ODI and Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi has his work cut out when the Twenty20 and ODI series begins.

“The team will be under the scanner and under immense pressure for the one-day series in England. The hosts look a far better side with their confidence sky high at the moment and this latest controversy will make matters worse for the returning captain Afridi.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2010.