Pakistani trio is fit to be offered second chance: Dave Richardson

ICC CEO says the body supports Asif, Amir and Butt in their attempt to 'rebuild their reputation'

The International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Dave Richardson on Wednesday said that the trio of Muhammad Asif, Salman Butt and Muhammad Amir was deemed fit by the Tribunal to make a return to competitive cricket after they have faced their ban.

"With regard to the three players, the Tribunal saw fit to offer a second opportunity to them to return to domestic and international cricket, provided it met specified criteria," said Richardson, while talking to The Hindu in an interview.

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"It is now up to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to set up a formal rehabilitation programme, which it has done."

He further added that the ICC supports the three players in the pursuit of making a return.

"The ICC fully supports the PCB in its efforts to help the players rebuild the reputation of the players and maintain the integrity of the game," added Richardson.

Regarding the Pakistan-India series, the CEO said after everything gets resolved between both the countries a series would help boost the popularity of Test Cricket.

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"Once safety and security issues are addressed, and both parties are satisfied, it will undoubtedly give Test cricket a fillip to see the India-Pakistan series revived," opined Richardson.

"This is one Test cricket, indeed one of sport’s great rivalries and an iconic series which would generate an enormous amount of publicity for the game, not just in both countries but across the world."