Sports

Accused trio will return, says Ijaz Butt

Ijaz Butt said that he hopes the three players will be allowed to fly home within the next few days.

Express September 10, 2010

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt said that the three players under investigation in England for spot-fixing allegations may return to Pakistan soon since no charges have been brought against them.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif have been interrogated by the Scotland Yard over claims that they took money to deliberately bowl no-balls against England at Lord’s last month.

“Since the players have not been charged we have informed Scotland Yard that they will be travelling back to Pakistan within the next few days,” said the PCB chairman before adding that the Wahab Riaz, the left-arm fast-bowler, is the fourth cricketer that will be interviewed by the police.

“We have arranged for his interview as we will continue to cooperate and we want to get to the bottom of the matter,” said Butt.

While showing his displeasure at the way the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed out the suspensions, the PCB chairman confirmed that the governing body wants a reply from the individuals and not the board.

“On coming to know of the suspensions, we approached the ICC telling them that these notices should be held till the Police completes its investigation. The ICC has informed us that the notices have been served on the players, it will respond directly to them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2010.

COMMENTS (5)

Anoop | 13 years ago | Reply Funny to see PCB eat their words.

Pakistani Civilian | 13 years ago | Reply If the PCB chairman had any self respect, he would have resigned by now. Men like him, would sell their soul for a pound of flesh, in this case it is much more than a pound. It seems that indulgence in illegal gambling is not an issue with him as is the case with other members of this family from Gujrat. Their love for quntori is common knowledge in gambling circles. Butt Saheb has a very thick skin and shame or honor cannot pierce through it. As long as he is getting the perks and benefits, for all he cares, cricket in Pakistan can go to the dogs. More harm is in store if the cricket loving public does not force the Patron to sack him. In the opinion of Ijaz Butt these cheats like Salman Butt and Mohd Asif have done no wrong. I pity Mohd Amir, who was exploited and lured by others to fall prey to easy money.As long as Mr Ijaz Butt is at the helm in PCB, no man with any integrity can be given any assignment in the board. These are cushy times for former cheats like Ijaz Ahmed, who was only recently convicted for fraud, which in the opinion of Mr Ijaz Butt is a qualification. God help PCB and future of cricket in Pakistan.