Pakistan fast bowler withdraws appeal

Mohammad Asif withdraws appeal against the ‘provisional suspension’ imposed on him by the ICC.

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has withdrawn his appeal against the ‘provisional suspension’ imposed on him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for playing any form of cricket over spot-fixing allegations.

“Asif withdrew his challenge pending determination of the charges brought against him under the ICC’s anti-corruption code,” the ICC said in a statement. “Arrangements are now being made by Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir against their provisional suspension to be held in Dubai on 30 and 31 October.” Asif has withdrawn his appeal due to the lack of preparation required to pursue his case before the ICC Code of Conduct Commission headed by Michael Beloff  QC.

The ICC suspended the Pakistani trio following a sting carried out by a British tabloid during Pakistan’s recent tour of the England. Appeals for three Pakistani cricketers accused of ‘spot-fixing’ had to be heard in Doha at the end of this month but Asif, whose entry into Dubai was banned, withdrew his appeal. The ICC plans to conduct hearings for Amir and Butt in Dubai.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2010.