Pakistani trio submit wavering statements in Doha
The Pakistani trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif submitted their statements today, in Doha. Sources close to the International Cricket council (ICC) claim that Butt and Asif are likely to face severe consequences whereas Amir may escape the ban.
According to BBC, the players took different stances on the no-balls that were bowled against England. Two of the players claimed that they didn’t know about the no-balls and one said that it was bowled by mistake.
The senior players amongst the three; Butt and Asif are expected to be handed a 3-5 years ban and heavy financial penalties. Amir may escape the ban considering his young age and his lesser experience.
If any of the players are found innocent after the hearing is completed, he can be considered for the World Cup. All the teams have announced their preliminary squads for the World Cup and the final squad will be announced until January 19th.
Amir is the most likely to make it to the squad as the teams can make changes in the preliminary squad before announcing the final squad.
His selection will only be possible if he is cleared by the ICC tribunal. The hearing will continue for a few more days and there are some important names including Waqar Younis and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 which are expected to appear before the tribunal.
Mazher Mahmood, the News of The World (NOTW) journalist is also expected to appear before the tribunal. Mazher was the journalist who broke the story and will appear with a lot of evidence against the players.
There have been many rumors regarding the hearing and the bans however, the ICC spokesman stressed that ICC cannot confirm all the rumors until the hearing is complete and the final verdict is made.
An ICC spokesman said, “During this whole process there have been plenty of leaks but we can categorically confirm that none of them have come from the ICC.”
The players have been living separately in Doha and they arrived at different times. Amir and Butt left soon after the hearing was over whereas Asif stayed for more than half an hour discussing his case and the proceedings with his lawyer.
Amir will be eying a World cup spot if he gets clearance but Asif and Butt will be looking forward to get lesser punishments as they are likely to be banned. The bans on the players may be career defining moments especially for Asif and Butt.
Tags: