Salman, Amir confident of exoneration ahead of hearing

Pakistan suspended duo arrive in Dubai to appear before International Cricket Council code of conduct commission.

LAHORE: Pakistan suspended duo Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir arrived in Dubai to appear before the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct commission to contest their provisional suspensions for alleged association in the spot-fixing scandal which sparked off this summer in England. Both left from Lahore accompanied by their lawyers and were confident that their suspension will be lifted and they will soon resume playing for Pakistan.

“Playing for Pakistan is everything for me,” Amir told reporters. “I’ve said all along, irrespective of what others say, we’re innocent and we’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve also told the board and our team management that I want to play as soon as the suspension is removed.”

The pair, along with Mohammad Asif, was suspended by the ICC on September 2, after being charged with numerous offences under Article two of the ICC’s anti-corruption code. Asif, however, has withdrawn his appeal, aiming to face the full hearing instead of the provisional one against his temporary suspension.

“There’s no need to think, I know I’m innocent,” said Salman. “Obviously we’re very hopeful of having these suspensions removed at this hearing as our lawyers have prepared a very strong case. Our lawyers are experienced professionals and have told us this case can be decided quickly.”

Salman, who led the side in the Lord’s Test, will be represented before the ICC by his lawyers Aftab Gul, a former Test cricketer, and Khalid Ranjha, a former law minister. “I don’t see any strong evidence against Salman on the basis of which we can say that he should remain suspended,” said Gul. “We’re going to contest the provisional ban for which we can’t pre-empt the decision. It’s their judgment, but our case is very strong. However, the final case is likely to be concluded after one and half months.”

Amir said he was ready to make a quick comeback to the national team for the series against South Africa if his suspension is lifted. “I appealed only because I know I’m innocent. I’m sure these accusations will soon be forgotten as rumours,” said Amir. “I’m more than confident that my suspension will be lifted and I will be available for selection soon.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th,  2010.