PCB to probe whether suspended Pak pacer Aamir played practice game

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken notice of reports that pacer Mohammad Aamir, who is currently under ICC suspension over spot-fixing claims, had bowled a few overs in a practice match at a Rawalpindi stadium.

“The board has asked for details of the said match from its officials in the Rawalpindi Regional Cricket Academy,” the Daily Times quoted a well-placed source, as saying.

“It is not clear as yet whether the match between Pakistan Army and Rawalpindi was organised by the PCB Pindi Regional Academy or was a private fixture,” the source added.

A PCB official confirmed that under the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, players suspended by the body could not take part in any match, event or activity organised by his home board or its affiliated units.

“Aamir or the two other suspended players, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, can’t take part in any match, event or activity organised by the PCB or any of its affiliated units,” confirmed the official.

Meanwhile, Sabih Azhar- a coach at the PCB Academy in Pindi- admitted that Aamir had bowled in the match.

“I was not present when this happened, but when I came back to the ground, I came to know he had bowled a few overs for the Army side,” said Azhar, who also claimed that the match was not organised by the regional academy, and was a private and friendly fixture.

However, a source in the board said the PCB would also hold its own inquiry to find out the status of the match. “It is something we need to look into because the suspended players shouldn’t be taking part in cricketing activities sanctioned by us or our affiliated units.”

A few months back, the ICC had to remind the PCB about the regulations over suspended players, after Salman Butt practiced at the National Cricket Academy at Lahore. Subsequently, all three players were barred from the nets and playing facilities at the Academy. (ANI)