PCB not to file appeal against ban, backs ICC tribunal’s decision
The Pakistan Cricket Board has reiterated that it will not file an appeal against the International Cricket Council’s ban imposed on three Pakistani cricketers found guilty in a spot-fixing case.
Chairman PCB, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ijaz-Butt-c64128 has backed the decision of the independent anti-corruption tribunal.
“PCB terms the verdict against the three players as regrettable and a sad reality which must be faced,” Butt stated in a press release issued on 7 February, 2011.
In the press release, the PCB expressed trust on the proceedings in the spot-fixing scandal by the tribunal. It further urged on the need to concentrate on the future of cricket and to forget the issue.
ICC’s tribunal, after the completion of proceedings on Saturday, banned former captain Salman Butt for 10 years, with five years suspended. Mohammad Asif was banned for seven years with two years suspended and Mohammad Amir was sanctioned five years of ineligibility.
All three players were found guilty of spot-fixing in the fourth Test between Pakistan and England at Lord's in August, last year. Ex-skipper Butt was sentenced with the lengthiest ban for failing to report an advance made to him during the third test match at the Oval.
The heavy fines have been met with mixed reactions. ICC chief Haroon Lorgart said that he was satisfied with the tribunal’s decision and termed it a ‘balanced verdict. He further believes it will help improve the image of the sport.
Former Pakistani captain, Imran Khan said that he was upset by the bans, but said they were necessary for the sake of the game in Pakistan. He believes the loss of the three players will harm http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s chances in the ICC World Cup, 2011.
Another former Pakistani skipper and fast bowler, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wasim-Akram-c96292, said that the sanctions will help curb corruption in cricket in the future. He said that the tainted-trio will find it hard to remove the stigma associated with the ban.
Meanwhile, former England captains Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff have termed the bans on the three players as ‘too lenient’.
Former Australian captain, Steve Waugh also supported the verdict and suggested that Amir be used as a ‘poster boy’ for how you can ruin a promising career by getting involved in such practices.
Some former officials have criticized the PCB for abandoning the players when they needed its support and guidance the most. Former PCB Chairman Khalid Mehmood, believes the PCB could have played a bigger part in ensuring the bans were not so lengthy. Former ICC President http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ehsan-Mani-c55791 has called on Ejaz Butt to resign on 'moral grounds'.
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