ICC promises leniency for suspended trio

[compak]

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KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entered into a constructive deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) which will allow the three suspended cricketers freedom to resume their international careers if no evidence is found against them shortly, according to details received by The Express Tribune.
The PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt confirmed that the Pakistan board and the ICC have agreed to halt the war of words relating to spot-fixing allegations following reconciliation between the two parties. Butt earlier termed the ICC’s investigation into the allegations as “terrible” and also called for the removal of ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.
“The ICC has promised to show leniency and has shown willingness to close this matter soon which forms part of the reconciliation between the two parties,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune. “Scotland Yard has failed to gather any evidence against our players despite weeks of investigation and the ICC, in the meeting with the PCB chairman, assured him that they will not stretch the matter unnecessarily.”
Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were provisionally suspended by the ICC earlier this month after the News of The World placed spot-fixing allegations on them during Lord’s Test. The three players were questioned by Scotland Yard but were allowed to travel back to Pakistan after assuring their availability if needed.
“The ICC has given the punishment without getting any proof which is concerning them [the ICC] now as well. Due to this, they have changed their stance towards the players. It now seems likely that the players will be cleared and allowed to resume their careers.”
The three players have already sent their replies to the governing body through their UK-based lawyer Elizabeth Robertson in which they pleaded not guilty and asked the suspensions to be lifted. The ICC, according to its rules, will have to form a tribunal which will look into the replies.
“We have been told that the tribunal would be formed soon which, if something substantial can’t be found against them, will not extend the case.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2010.

ICC promises leniency for suspended trio – The Express Tribune

[Usama86]

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I was expecting something like this sooner rather then later. At last some sanity prevails. Cant wait to see Amir play against SA in Dubai.