PCB chairman denies sacking reports after return from England
Butt confirms that all disputes with ECB have been settled.
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt returned home from England amid growing speculation of his removal from the post due to the turmoil Pakistan cricket currently finds itself in.
Ijaz, who was visiting England to resolve the strained relationship between the PCB and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in the aftermath of the stinging allegations against the England players, confirmed that all disputes had been settled.
“I’m glad that all the matters have been resolved with the ECB and they have assured us of continuing to provide a neutral venue to us,” said the PCB chairman before denying reports that his tenure at the PCB was about to end. “I’ve also heard and read in the newspapers but it’s nothing new for me.
“In particular, I was happy to correct the misunderstanding that I, or anyone at the PCB, had made any allegations about members of the England cricket team. The point which I have sought to make from the beginning was that the world of cricket is reeling from a storm of allegations and rumours, and these must be addressed.”
Plea is to lift suspension: Amir’s lawyer
Pakistan’s trio will contest their ‘provisional suspension’ before Michael Beloff QC, head of the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct Commission, on October 30 and 31 in Doha with the players hoping for a reversal of the ICC’s decision.
“Our plea is to lift the provisional suspension so that the players can resume their international commitment as they have denied every allegation or disputes imposed for the said offence,” said Shahid Karim, lawyer of fast-bowler Mohamamd Amir. “The ICC has yet to hand out the evidence against Amir which will probably be submitted in the provisionally hearing.”
Determined to maintain cricket’s integrity: ICC
The provisional suspensions were imposed on the players in accordance with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code after they were charged with “various offences” under the code on September 2. The charges followed revelations by the News of the World and subsequent investigations by the ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit into ‘spot-fixing’ allegations.
“After receiving three separate appeals from the respective players, the ICC moved as quickly as possible to convene an independent hearing in accordance with the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code,” said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat who confirmed that after consulting with all parties involved, the ICC decided to conduct the hearing in Doha. “In the meantime, the players remain provisionally suspended from all cricket and related activities.
“We want to ensure a fair and just process in terms of our code, but we are also determined to maintain the integrity of our great sport.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2010.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt returned home from England amid growing speculation of his removal from the post due to the turmoil Pakistan cricket currently finds itself in.
Ijaz, who was visiting England to resolve the strained relationship between the PCB and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in the aftermath of the stinging allegations against the England players, confirmed that all disputes had been settled.
“I’m glad that all the matters have been resolved with the ECB and they have assured us of continuing to provide a neutral venue to us,” said the PCB chairman before denying reports that his tenure at the PCB was about to end. “I’ve also heard and read in the newspapers but it’s nothing new for me.
“In particular, I was happy to correct the misunderstanding that I, or anyone at the PCB, had made any allegations about members of the England cricket team. The point which I have sought to make from the beginning was that the world of cricket is reeling from a storm of allegations and rumours, and these must be addressed.”
Plea is to lift suspension: Amir’s lawyer
Pakistan’s trio will contest their ‘provisional suspension’ before Michael Beloff QC, head of the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct Commission, on October 30 and 31 in Doha with the players hoping for a reversal of the ICC’s decision.
“Our plea is to lift the provisional suspension so that the players can resume their international commitment as they have denied every allegation or disputes imposed for the said offence,” said Shahid Karim, lawyer of fast-bowler Mohamamd Amir. “The ICC has yet to hand out the evidence against Amir which will probably be submitted in the provisionally hearing.”
Determined to maintain cricket’s integrity: ICC
The provisional suspensions were imposed on the players in accordance with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code after they were charged with “various offences” under the code on September 2. The charges followed revelations by the News of the World and subsequent investigations by the ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit into ‘spot-fixing’ allegations.
“After receiving three separate appeals from the respective players, the ICC moved as quickly as possible to convene an independent hearing in accordance with the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code,” said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat who confirmed that after consulting with all parties involved, the ICC decided to conduct the hearing in Doha. “In the meantime, the players remain provisionally suspended from all cricket and related activities.
“We want to ensure a fair and just process in terms of our code, but we are also determined to maintain the integrity of our great sport.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2010.