***Official*** Spot-Fixing Scandal

[Fusion]

It's a sad conclusion to the whole dark affair. I think the verdicts are just. Butt's and Asif's careers are over. Amir has a very slim chance of coming back, but even if he does, his best years will be behind him and he'll never reach the true heights he could've achieved. I understand people wanting a life ban, but I think from a practical point of view, this is indeed a very strict punishment for the crime that was committed. Like Xuhaib, I hope this is the last time I have to read about match fixing and Pakistan cricket together again.

 

[Fusion]

No, it was far from obvious. I don't know how you can infer such malice on her behalf, she's basically appealing for help, that is all. seems like it's mostly in your own imagination.

I have seen Brumby post on these forums for years, and I can assure you he meant to infer no such malice. You're making a big deal out of nothing.

 

[Teja.]

Aamir to auction the shirt he wore to the court hearing in order to pay his lawyer's fees, IMO.

 

[r3alist]

She said they should object to it, that's not the same.

Has she specified what form of objection the Pakistani population should undertake. If not, then why infer something sinister on her behalf. Anyway, back to the topic.

 

[AlanJLegend]

So basically this suspended sentence thing means they COULD all be playing again in 5 years?

That is rubbish really. I can understand letting Amir off with a lighter punishment if it was proven that Butt asked him to bowl a no-ball but lead him to believe it was to somehow a strategy to rough up the batsman rather than for money. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Butt basically the leader in all of this, making negotiations with the bookmaker and ordering Amir/Asif to bowl the no-balls?

If that is the case, how he didn't get a life ban is beyond me...

 

[Daemon]

Making a comeback is highly improbable for all of them though. They'll have to find a job now, and to keep in touch with their skills they have to play against top quality opposition (which they wont have the luxury of doing) and neither will they have the motivation to go on training for 5 years. There might be a slight chance for Amir, but I really don't see it happening.

 

[r3alist]

Yes, butt was clearly the most guilty of all three, and as Captain that should have ensured he got a harsher sentence than the others.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Two wrongs do make a right, yes.

I can't believe this is even worthy of debate.

Her circumstances might explain her choice of words, but they don't mean she was right.

Didn't say she was right. I was just trying to explain why she or any other mother would not think rationally at this point and make stupid comments. I can understand her grief and have sympathy for her because she only wants the best for her son. However her son got what he deserved.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Making a comeback is highly improbable for all of them though. They'll have to find a job now, and to keep in touch with their skills they have to play against top quality opposition (which they wont have the luxury of doing) and neither will they have the motivation to go on training for 5 years. There might be a slight chance for Amir, but I really don't see it happening.

Amir will be around 23 and Asif will be around 33. If Akhtar can bowl the way he is bowling at 36, these two still have a chance. All they need to do is continue to practise their bowling.

 

[sledger]

Amir will be around 23 and Asif will be around 33. If Akhtar can bowl the way he is bowling at 36, these two still have a chance. All they need to do is continue to practise their bowling.

Practice where exactly? In their gardens? Unless the PCB is willing to pay them for the next 5 years for them to keep training with the squad and so on...it's not a realistic prospect at all.

 

[G.I.Joe]

Ajay Jadeja played FC cricket after serving out his 5 year ban FTR.

 

[PhoenixFire]

Would imagine it's much easier for a batsman to return to the game after a long lay-off than a bowler though.

 

[AlanJLegend]

Just a thought here...can the PCB enforce their own sanctions here?

So if after 5 years Amir decides he wants to play again, can the PCB tell him to GAGF?

 

[sledger]

Just a thought here...can the PCB enforce their own sanctions here?

So if after 5 years Amir decides he wants to play again, can the PCB tell him to GAGF?

Haha, don't see why not. They're all due back in England to appear before a court for the criminal charges associated with this whole thing shortly.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Practice where exactly? In their gardens? Unless the PCB is willing to pay them for the next 5 years for them to keep training with the squad and so on...it's not a realistic prospect at all.

I guess you really don't know Pakistan

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Good riddance.

Honestly thought there would be a delay though in this announcement until after the court case. If ICC has banned them then it looks grim for them. They best get practising not bending over in a shower to pick up the soap.

 

[nick-o]

Sorry to be cynical, but surely the 5-year penalty is meaningless.

How many times have we seen penalties reduced or retracted on appeal -- it's just words at the moment. Once the criminal case in UK is done (and I imagine any decent lawyer could find a technicality to put a stop to that), these guys will be back in no time.

Two years max, I reckon.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Sorry to be cynical, but surely the 5-year penalty is meaningless.

How many times have we seen penalties reduced or retracted on appeal -- it's just words at the moment. Once the criminal case in UK is done (and I imagine any decent lawyer could find a technicality to put a stop to that), these guys will be back in no time.

Two years max, I reckon.

Lets hope you are wrong, otherwise the ICC will have no credibility at all.

 

[smash84]

Sorry to be cynical, but surely the 5-year penalty is meaningless.

How many times have we seen penalties reduced or retracted on appeal -- it's just words at the moment. Once the criminal case in UK is done (and I imagine any decent lawyer could find a technicality to put a stop to that), these guys will be back in no time.

Two years max, I reckon.

You do have a point. Unless the CPS has a watertight case against them these guys could be back earlier 5 years

 

[nick-o]

Lets hope you are wrong, otherwise the ICC will have no credibility at all.

I'm sorry, but when was the last time the ICC had any credibility? Nothing new there.

I think there were two options -- life bans, or a slap on the wrist.

I wish I could pretend to be surprised the ICC have gone for the slap on the wrist.