The trio were cleared by the Scotland Yard to return to Pakistan as no charges have been levied against them with the Pakistan government assuring British police of compliance in case the cricketers were required to come to England for further questioning.
“The trio’s return has only been made possible because of the PCB that convinced Scotland Yard and supported them throughout the case,” PCB’s legal adviser Talib Rizvi told The Express Tribune.
He added that given the trio have been granted permission to return also indicates that the case against them is not strong.
“The players were not charged in the earlier probe and the permission to travel means it is a huge breakthrough for them because Scotland Yard never allows anyone if they have any doubt on accused.”
Rizvi, however, ruled out reports that players were only allowed to spend Eid with their families and would return after it. “It’s not true, they will only return if needed by the Scotland Yard in the ongoing spot-fixing investigation.”
Trio to arrive this morning
Earlier, the trio were cleared to return home today after getting permission from the Scotland Yard. However, the cricketers will remain part of the investigation in the alleged spot-fixing case. The three players got permission to travel home after Scotland Yard was given surety that the trio would be made available if needed.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed that the government also paved the way for the trio’s return after giving assurance to the Scotland Yard to make the players available whenever required.
“We spoke to the Scotland Yard to seek permission for the three players so they can spend Eid at home and since no charges have been proved against them we will support them until they’re found guilty,” Malik told a TV channel.
Strict security cover sought
The PCB has called for strict security arrangements on return of three players. Angry fans burnt effigies and carried out mock funerals all over the country after spot-fixing controversy broke out.
“There might be an assault on the players because people are very angry. To avoid any chaos we have asked the higher authorities to provide strict security cover,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune.
The PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt was also received by an angry crowd who protested on his return at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Airport.
“We don’t want the same situation because it might get worst when the players arrive so security should be well organised.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2010.
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