PCB boss Butt admits last six months were ‘extremely painful for Pakistan cricket’

LAHORE - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has acknowledged that the last six months following the spot-fixing scandal that broke last August, were ‘extremely painful for Pakistan cricket.’

Last week, an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal appointed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to hear into the spot-fixing case imposed a ’sanction of ten years ineligibility’ on Salman Butt, “five years of which are suspended on condition that he commits no further breach of the code and that he participates under the auspices of the Pakistan Cricket Board in a programme of Anti-Corruption education.”

On Mohammad Asif, a sanction of seven years ineligibility has been imposed, two years of which are suspended “on condition that he commits no further breach of the code and that he participates under the auspices of the Pakistan Cricket Board in a programme of Anti-Corruption education,” whereas the tribunal imposed a “sanction of five years of ineligibility” on Mohammad Amir, the youngest of the three accused.

PCB chief Ijaz Butt said in a statement that the ban imposed on the Pakistani trio was ‘regrettable and a sad reality which must be faced.”

The PCB had initially backed the trio after a British tabloid reported about the spot-fixing scandal. It even named them in the national squad to play a one-day series against England before the ICC provisionally suspended them.

Describing the last six months as ‘extremely painful for Pakistan cricket,’ Butt said: “I now hope this unfortunate saga is put to rest and we can concentrate on cricket.”

Salman and Asif will have to take part in an anti-corruption program supervised by the PCB to avoid having the suspended parts of their sentences imposed on them.

“We will see how we can help the three players with their education and rehabilitation programme,” said Butt, adding, “We will also continue to work with the ICC on this sensitive matter.”

He said the board was determined to root out corruption that has dogged Pakistan cricket in the past.

“The PCB is determined to ensure the threat of corruption is dealt with severely and will do everything in its power to ensure the integrity of cricket is protected,” he said.

“Like all my colleagues in the ICC, I am determined to maintain the integrity of our sport. This is fundamental,” he added. (ANI)