Butt/Amir/Asif - Spot Fixing Trial

[HeathDavisSpeed]

I read somewhere recently that despite having the ability to do so, the ATO has never actually taxed gambling winnings under the 'professional gambler' clause.

That, my friend, is utter bullplop.

 

[Prince EWS]

I found where I read it. It was in a thread on whirlpool forums. So yeah, not the best source of info.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

I found where I read it. It was in a thread on whirlpool forums. So yeah, not the best source of info.

Of course, if you are a Professional Gambler, there are ways and means to end up saving yourself more tax than you have to pay anyway. Pretty much anything can be justified as a direct cost of being a professional gambler - website fees, computers, audio/visual equipment. Cha-ching to all the GST you can reclaim etc.

 

[four_or_six]

The court case starts today, so hopefully it's not going to be too long until everything is out in the open.

The cricinfo article headline is strangely "Butt and Asif to appear in court", but also says reporting restrictions are in place, so looks like we won't get a running commentary.

 

[fredfertang]

Would certainly suggest Amir has copped a plea - really ought to have been clarified - slipshod reporting, imo

 

[Scaly piscine]

My god how much does that photo of Salman Butt on Cricinfo make you want to punch him. The thing that worries is if there's a not guilty verdict. Then we'll get the rabid Pakistanis coming out of the woodwork saying what a conspiracy it all was and how their bans should be reduced/annulled - and that's just the PCB.

 

[pavops]

The smugger and smarmier Butt gets the more unbearable it is Amir got himself roped in. damn and blast it's a shoddy kidney punch for the few nice things in life. Er, as some bleeding heart dufus elaborates on here:

 

[Agent Nationaux]

My god how much does that photo of Salman Butt on Cricinfo make you want to punch him. The thing that worries is if there's a not guilty verdict. Then we'll get the rabid Pakistanis coming out of the woodwork saying what a conspiracy it all was and how their bans should be reduced/annulled - and that's just the PCB.

Please do clarify the bold.

 

[Burgey]

Please do clarify the bold.

He may mean those Pakistanis who are rabid in their belief their team and players can do no wrong.

cf: YouTube commenters (from any country).

Then again, he may not.

 

[Xuhaib]

My god how much does that photo of Salman Butt on Cricinfo make you want to punch him. The thing that worries is if there's a not guilty verdict. Then we'll get the rabid Pakistanis coming out of the woodwork saying what a conspiracy it all was and how their bans should be reduced/annulled - and that's just the PCB.

tbf none of our lot on CW supported Aamer.

 

[Scaly piscine]

I made no reference to any member or group on CW.

The reference relates to the PCB, I just worded it in such a way as to be slightly clever and unexpected. The comment also implies that there are more extreme Pakistan supporters than the PCB (well if you ignore the self-serving political appointees in the PCB who aren't really supporting Pakistan) out there (whether it be YouTube, various fan sites or whatever).

 

[four_or_six]

Definitely only Asif and Butt on trial.

The jury was told that only Mr Butt and Mr Asif were on trial, but Mr Jafferjee said there was "nothing sinister" in the absence of Mr Majeed and Mr Amir from the proceedings.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

They have access to deleted text messages. Amir sent a message to someone in Pakistan saying that he will do the deed.

Another text message from an Indian Bookie to Mazhar Majeed saying that Kamran Akmal to make 13 off 3 overs and indicate by use of gloves!!

Edit: I think it is the other way round, that Kamran and Amir to let England make 13 off the first 3 overs.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

In the 4th Test during England's Innings, they made exactly 13 in the first 3 overs off Asif and Amir!!!!!

4th Test: England v Pakistan at Lord's, Aug 26-29, 2010 | Cricket Commentary | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[four_or_six]

Ah... that would explain it!

 

[Fusion]

Wait, how were they able to control how many runs they conceeded to England? That's pretty impressive if they were able to dictate that!

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Piece of cake for Asif. Remember the way he bowled that no ball, just like a pro.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

I think it was minimum 13, so anything above that would be ok.

 

[fredfertang]

Having given this some thought it must be the case that Amir and Majeed have pleaded guilty but the court has decided those pleas can't be admitted in evidence against Butt and Asif

on the grounds that their admission would have such an adverse effect upon the fairness of the proceedings that it ought not to be admitted.

In other words the guilty pleas would completely undermine the Butt/Asif defences and, when Butt/Asif have no opportunity to challenge what Amir/Majeed say, it wouldn't be fair to have the rug pulled from under them.

Can't see the jury being daft enough not to work that one out, but it certainly goes to show that reporting restrictions work

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Thanks for that Fred. It all makes sense now why there was nothing in the papers regarding Amir pleading guilty.