PCB chairman wants Aamer to appeal ban
The controversial case of Pakistani pacer Mohammad Aamer, who is
facing a five-year long ban from the ICC for spot-fixing charges, has
been given a new direction by the opinion of PCB (Pakistan Cricket
Board) chairman Zaka Ashraf to appeal against the lengthy ban imposed by
the ICC.
It has been just a few days since ICC (International Cricket Council)
Chief Haroon Lorgat had advised Aamer not to appeal against ban and
suddenly, Zaka Ashraf has surprised everyone with his words.
Lorgat had expressed his happiness about the fact that the PCB would
undertake a rehabilitation program for Aamer, who holds the record of
being the youngest bowler to take 50 Test wickets. But Ashraf’s
intentions seem to be different, particularly after what he said about
Aamer’s case.
Referring to ICC’s punishment as ‘harsh’, Ashraf feels that Aamer
should appeal against the ban, though he has left the decision to the
left-hand fast bowler.
After returning from Bangladesh, where the Pakistani team won their
second Asia Cup with a 2-run win over the hosts, Ashraf said, “I think
the five-year ban is too harsh and it is down to Aamer if he wishes to
appeal against that lengthy ban imposed upon him.
“I would suggest that he does appeal against the ban, and I think the
relevant body should take a lenient view given his age and the talent
he possesses.”
Ashraf continued the defence of his nation’s young pacer by saying
that everyone should do efforts to revive the career of this young and
talented paceman, who has been trapped into the case of spot-fixing
which also involved ex-skipper Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad
Asif.
He reiterated his point regarding Aamer’s innocence in the
spot-fixing case, during which he intentionally bowled no-balls at a
pre-decided times under the influence of Butt and agent Mazhar Majeed.
Ashraf said that Aamer felt sorry for his mistake and that the talented
youngster’s punishment should be reduced.
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