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.
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.