Tribunal’s decision to defer spot-fixing verdict may be “silver lining” for Aamir: Lawyer

ISLAMABAD - The ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal’s decision to defer the spot-fixing verdict until next month can be a “silver lining” for suspended Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamir, his lawyer has said.

Shahid Karim, who represented Aamir in the spot-fixing case in Doha, was confident that his client would be exonerated when the final decision is announced on February 5.

“The last day of the (six-day) hearing was very positive,” the Daily Times quoted Karim, as saying.

Following the hearing that lasted over 45 hours, spread over six days, the tribunal determined to continue its deliberations, and will hold a further hearing in Doha on 5 February 2011, at which its decisions will be handed down to the parties, and any consequential matters will be dealt with.

“It could be a silver lining for us,” said the lawyer, who had also requested a delay of the ruling on Tuesday.

The tribunal has been constituted to determine charges against the trio- Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif- brought under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code in relation to two Test matches played during August 2010 in the series between Pakistan and England, The Oval Test and the Lord’s Test.

Karim said the tribunal had exonerated Aamir from the spot-fixing charges in the Oval Test against England, and now only the spot-fixing charge from the Lord’s Test was remaining for his client.

“The ICC has withdrawn all charges against the three players in relation to The Oval Test except for one against Mr Butt. The tribunal has formally acquitted the players in respect of the charges which have been withdrawn. The other charges, which include all those relating to the Lord’s Test, remain for consideration,” Anti-Corruption Tribunal Chairman Michael Beloff, QC, was quoted, as saying in an ICC press release.

If the players are found guilty, they could challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but Karim said he was not looking that far ahead.

“I haven’t yet thought about that, I hope he (Aamir) will be exonerated next month when the verdict will be announced,” he said. (ANI)