Hameed disappointed by PCB’s fine, season-long ban over match-fixing interview

LAHORE - Discarded Pakistan batsman Yasir Hameed has expressed his disappointment over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to fine and ban him for the remainder of the domestic season for breaching the code of conduct during Pakistan’s England tour last year.

Hameed has been fined 300,000 rupees by the PCB’s Integrity Committee for discussing with a British tabloid the fall-out from the Lord’s spot-fixing controversy and among other things, an approach by a bookie during the 2004 Champions Trophy in England.

The player had appeared before the committee in December 2010 and submitted an unconditional apology for being involved in the interview, which was actually a sting operation where he was shown accusing teammates of throwing matches for money.

“I knew I will be facing the penalty,” The Express Tribune quoted Hameed, as saying.

“I am disappointment by the board’s action as I had submitted an unconditional apology to the board. But I had a feeling that the PCB won’t spare. Hence, the fine and the season-long ban that has been placed,” he added.

Hameed, who last played for Pakistan on the ill-fated England tour, was shown speaking casually about the case against the Pakistan team and went further, claiming that he had lost his place in the team because he had refused to become involved in match-fixing along with other players.

Despite being dejected by the PCB’s decision, Hameed said he wanted to put the whole episode behind him and concentrate on making a comeback in the Pakistan squad.

“It’s really disappointing for me as I am hungry to play cricket and want to represent Pakistan once again. I accept the punishment and really want to move ahead.” (ANI)