Waqar hopes a fresh start for Pakistan cricket after Doha hearing

KARACHI - Pakistan coach Waqar Younis hoped that his team will be able to play some controversy-free cricket once a decision is taken by an independent tribunal that has finished hearing a spot-fixing case involving Mohammad Asif, Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif in Doha.

“I hope all goes well and I hope the outcome is what cricket requires. Hopefully things will settle after that and we can play controversy-free cricket for a while,” Waqar said Tuesday after a training session in Wellington.

Pakistan is currently playing a two-Test series against New Zealand. Waqar confirmed that he gave evidence to the independent anti-corruption tribunal.

The suspended trio is expected to learn their fate later Tuesday following the conclusion of a six-day hearing.

They have been charged with offences relating to alleged activity surrounding the Test against England at Lord’s in August. British tabloid News of the World alleged that they had taken bribes to arrange for deliberate no-balls to be delivered at pre-agreed times.

Butt, Aamer and Asif have been provisionally suspended since the allegations came to light in the days following the Test but all have denied any wrongdoing. They face lengthy bans if found guilty by a three-man tribunal chaired by British lawyer Michael Beloff.

Waqar gave evidence via teleconference during the first Test in New Zealand.

“I have given it, it is all finished and all done and let’s see what the result is tomorrow,” he said.

The coach chose not to speculate on whether the trio would join the team for the six one-day internationals against New Zealand, which start Jan 22, if found not guilty.

“I have got no idea. Let’s see what happens first and then the selectors will probably have a look into it, and we will talk about it then.”