ICC says it didn't ask PCB to not select Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt [update#8]

[SL_Fan]

Pakistan's Mohammad Asif is contemplating asking the ICC whether they have instructed PCB not to select him for Pakistan.

Link

Frustrated at being ignored for selection, former pacer and convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Asif is contemplating asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) if the world body has instructed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to consider him for the national team.

Asif was convicted of spot-fixing in 2011 and was banned for seven years by the ICC, along with team-mates Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir. Asif began a one-year prison sentence for his role in the scandal on November 3.

The ICC then allowed Asif to play in 2015. But since then he hasn't been selected by Pakistan.

"Some information to this effect recently reached me that the PCB has been asked by the ICC not to consider me for the national team selection," Asif told Pakistan daily, The Dawn on Saturday.

Asif is curretly representing team Wapda in the Super Eight match of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy against Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) being played at the Niaz Stadium on Saturday.

"I don't know how authentic is the info. On my part, I am playing regularly in the (domestic) season. So I definitely intend to ask the ICC if they have any reservations about me," he said.

"Others are not bowling from a canon....I at least bowl like them too."

"It is fine if PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan has left it to the selectors to decide when to induct Salman Butt and me, but the selectors have to be fair and should pick those who have been performing well," the pacer added.

"We should have been invited to the camp to show our performance but we were ignored."

On the current pace attack, Asif said he is not very impressed.

"We talk about talent...but this is all the talent that we have. I don't think there is anything special about our pacers. It is an average sort of attack," he said.

"To develop something special, you must work hard. And of course some have abilities which are God-gifted. I've played a full season now but I didn't see anything special be it Rahat (Ali) or Imran Khan or Sohail Khan."

Asif felt Pakistan should shift their home venue from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to South Africa or Sri Lanka where the pitches are better and conditions more competitive.

"Even Sri Lanka has better pitches compared to UAE," he said.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

And why will ICC do that? It's upto PCB to select him and ICC have already given them the green signal.

 

[www787]

And why will ICC do that? It's upto PCB to select him and ICC have already given them the green signal.

maybe one of those thing that Politician do in public and private.

 

[Mainul]

That's why i never liked Pakistan cricket management.They never back their cricketers, rather show them their back.

 

[Saj]

The fact is that Asif has not shown consistently the form that is needed for him to make a comeback to the Pakistan team.

Also he has had fitness issues resulting in him missing a few matches.

 

[Shafi]

That's why i never liked Pakistan cricket management.They never back their cricketers, rather show them their back.

Exactly!!! We like to keep pulling our legs when someone is about to prosper

 

[Zak_Fan]

The reason is quite clear to me. PCB still do not believe that Asif is the best available option.

 

[SL_Fan]

Mohammad Asif relieved after ICC's clarification

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Pakistan tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who was convicted in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, has revealed he has decided to shift his focus completely on bowling after the International Cricket Council's (ICC) clarification about his future.

The ICC had clarified that it did not ask the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to stop any of the three cricketers---Asif, Mohammad Amir and former skipper Salman Butt, who all served spot-fixing bans, from returning to the international cricket.

There were speculations that the ICC had asked the PCB not to allow the three cricketers, especially Asif and Butt, to return to the national side.

Downplaying the claims, the world's cricket governing body said it is solely up to the country's board to decide whether to select these players or not.

"All the three players became eligible to return to domestic and international cricket after their bans expired in September 2015. The ICC has not asked the member board [PCB] to not select them or any one of the three players since they completed the sanctions. It is solely on the discretion of the member board to select these players," the Express Tribune quoted the ICC spokesperson as saying.

The 33-year-old, who had earlier revealed that he would write a letter to the ICC to seek an explanation for these speculations, said he is relieved to hear the reply and added that he would now work harder to gain his place back into the national side.

"I was very concerned about my future when these rumours surfaced. That was affecting my performance because I was confused. Now I am clear [on the issue] and will focus completely on my bowling. I have plenty of cricket left in me and will continue to work hard for a return to the national team," he said.

Asif, whose ban from spot-fixing expired at the end of Pakistan's domestic cricket season last year, made his List-A return in the National One-Day Cup , where he bagged a total of seven wickets in as many games at the strike rate of 43.

However, his performance couldn't earn him a spot in the Pakistan Super League, a lucrative domestic T20 league.

Butt, on the other hand, insisted that he never had any doubts about his ability to return to the international fold before adding that these kind of rumours hardly affect him.

The former skipper further said he is only looking forward to give good performances in domestic cricket in order to gain national selectors' attention.

"I was in contention for the World T20 and then the England tour. "This means there was no embargo on my selection from the ICC. I have not contemplated contacting the ICC over my selection and neither have I given any such statement. I am aware that only a good performance in domestic cricket will make my case for a return to the national side and that's what I am doing," said Butt.

Asif, along with Amir and Butt, were found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in February 2011.

Although Amir has returned to the national team in impressive style against New Zealand in January this year, Asif and Butt remained sidelined and are yet to be considered for Pakistan selection.

 

[SL_Fan]

Asif relieved, Butt confident after ICC’s clarification

Link

KARACHI: Tainted pacer Mohammad Asif yesterday revealed that he has shifted his focus back on cricket after the International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that it had not given any instructions to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to stop any of the three cricketers, who served the spot-fixing bans, from returning to international cricket.

There was some speculation in the media regarding whether the ICC had asked the PCB to not allow these cricketers, especially Asif and Salman Butt, to return to the international fold.

But the ICC denied these claims and stated that it was solely on the discretion of the board whether to select these players or not.

“All the three players became eligible to return to domestic and international cricket after their bans expired in September 2015,” an ICC spokesperson told The Express Tribune. “The ICC has not asked the member board [PCB] to not select them or any one of the three players since they completed the sanctions. It is solely on the discretion of the member board to select these players.”

Asif, who had revealed to The Express Tribune that he was planning to write a letter to the ICC to seek an explanation for these rumours, said that he was relieved to hear the ICC’s reply.

“I was very concerned about my future when these rumours surfaced,” said the pacer, who represents WAPDA in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. “That was affecting my performance because I was confused. Now I am clear [on the issue] and will focus completely on my bowling. I have plenty of cricket left in me and will continue to work hard for a return to the national team.”

Butt, when contacted by The Express Tribune, said he never had any doubts about his ability to return to the national side and that these rumours did not affect him.

“I was in contention for the World T20 and then the England tour,” said Butt. “This means there was no embargo on my selection from the ICC. I have not contemplated contacting the ICC over my selection and neither have I given any such statement. I am aware that only a good performance in domestic cricket will make my case for a return to the national side and that’s what I am doing.”

An official close to the selection committee revealed that both Asif and Butt were told not to expect to be selected too soon for the national side.

“Chief selector [Inzamamul Haq] had made it clear that the selection committee would like both Asif and Butt to play the entire domestic season,” said the official. “Now since they are playing domestic events, their performances are being monitored just like any other player.”

 

[Dr_Bassim]

They can be confident, but PCB is not selecting them.

Not for Australia, anyways.

 

[Junaids]

They can be confident, but PCB is not selecting them.

Not for Australia, anyways.

Which raises major questions about the competence and/or integrity of those responsible for the process.

The ICC today reconfirmed that it has cleared Mohammad Asif for selection and has not told the PCB not to pick him.

And he has just bowled WAPDA into the QEA Final when their match was on a knife edge, with a spell of 3-0-3-3.

He is the only Pakistan right-armer with a successful Test history in Australia.

The ongoing failure to select him has passed from the realms of stubbornness to self-destruction.

 

[Zeshan547]

His non selection is just self defeating, and Pak should be the last country who should brag about so called moral values and high ground, where the biggest cheats and corrupt people are on some highest posts. This is the biggest hypocrecy on pcb's part.

 

[Speedster777]

PCB selection committee is incompetent and unprofessional to its core. Asif is a match winner he has proved his mettle in QAE trophy. He deserves a recall over all the bowlers in our current squad.

 

[Indiafan]

His non selection is just self defeating, and Pak should be the last country who should brag about so called moral values and high ground, where the biggest cheats and corrupt people are on some highest posts. This is the biggest hypocrecy on pcb's part.

Wrong! The hypocrisy is that people who constantly keep complaining about corruption and wrong do-ers are willing to turn a blind eye when their favorite are involved. The reason biggest cheats and corrupt are in high posts is exactly because of attitude like yours. In a non-corrupt country people would look at themselves and their choices. In a corrupt country people keep pointing fingers at others. When a corrupt politician supports his son, it is because his favorite is involved. When a chaiwala bribes a peon to get his nephew admitted, it is because his favorite is involved. Every single corrupt person favors someone

In a corrupt country every corrupt person would use the same excuse - there are bigger thieves than me. That is how they satisfy their own conscience. Every single person in that country would say - hang all the corrupt people except those whom I support. And from the pan wala to rickshaw wala to the higher up all involve in corruption. And that is why the people on the top will never be changed because how can a thief point fingers at a bigger thief?

When Amir was pardoned, the excuse was - but he is only 17 year old, was led astray so he should get a second chance. Now what is the excuse to pardon a 34 year, 4 times punished player a fifth time? Doesn't this show that all the excuse about Amir being a first time young offender was false and even if he was 40 and a 10 times offender he would still be pardoned

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you wanting Asif in your team. Your team, your board, your fans, your players. But stop hiding behind such lame excuses and admit you just want to see him play and take wickets no matter what he does. Pointing fingers at others is no way to still your own conscience. And I am not judging you at all, you are judging yourself when you make such lame excuses. If in your heart you didn't believe you were wrong, you would be needing such excuses at all.

 

[Indiafan]

PCB selection committee is incompetent and unprofessional to its core. Asif is a match winner he has proved his mettle in QAE trophy. He deserves a recall over all the bowlers in our current squad.

PCB supported Asif multiple times. When he was found doping, PCB didn't ban him but quietly withdrew him. When he was found doping a second time in IPL, PCB saved him from ban again and supported him. When he was jailed in Dubai, PCB fought for him and sent officials there for his release. When Asif and Akhtar fought, PCB supported Asif even though Akhtar was the senior player

Every time PCB supported him, every time he back-stabbed them and got into another controversy. If this was any other country except Pakistan, even Bangladesh or the incompetent WI board, he would have received a life ban long ago. You do not even know the meaning of the word professional. A professional board is where players like Sreesanth or Symonds are banned for ever because of one or two indiscipline.

 

[Pakprideuk]

PCB supported Asif multiple times. When he was found doping, PCB didn't ban him but quietly withdrew him. When he was found doping a second time in IPL, PCB saved him from ban again and supported him. When he was jailed in Dubai, PCB fought for him and sent officials there for his release. When Asif and Akhtar fought, PCB supported Asif even though Akhtar was the senior player

Every time PCB supported him, every time he back-stabbed them and got into another controversy. If this was any other country except Pakistan, even Bangladesh or the incompetent WI board, he would have received a life ban long ago. You do not even know the meaning of the word professional. A professional board is where players like Sreesanth or Symonds are banned for ever because of one or two indiscipline.

I completely agree with you. The other thing is that I have heard from individuals on this forum that Asif has served his ban and thus he should be allowed to play cricket again and they often cite examples of how people in other professions are allowed to do so. But surely its also true that in many other professions, if you have a continuous criminal record, you often are not eligible to apply for that post. That should also apply in Asif's case. Can the PCB risk becoming a laughing stock once again if they allow Asif to represent their institution and the entire Pakistan at the national level in another country and he goes on to commit another mistake?

A Lawyer who has a criminal record is very unlikely to be picked up by a city law firm despite there being no suspension by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority. The same goes for Accountants and other professional jobs and the same should apply to Asif.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

They didn't deny that they encouraged the return of m Amir into the team so quickly
I hope Amir is droppable

 

[Suleiman]

Shouls not have done that, should not have done that at all.

This guy has shot himself in the foot many times in his career and this may be the final bullet.

He's coming back after 6 years, is in mid 30s, ofc he's gonna have to prove match fitness which seems like he didn't pass fully after getting injured for a while.

This will only hurt his chances further. I hopw he plays, purely saying this as a fan.

 

[Junaids]

I completely agree with you. The other thing is that I have heard from individuals on this forum that Asif has served his ban and thus he should be allowed to play cricket again and they often cite examples of how people in other professions are allowed to do so. But surely its also true that in many other professions, if you have a continuous criminal record, you often are not eligible to apply for that post. That should also apply in Asif's case. Can the PCB risk becoming a laughing stock once again if they allow Asif to represent their institution and the entire Pakistan at the national level in another country and he goes on to commit another mistake?

A Lawyer who has a criminal record is very unlikely to be picked up by a city law firm despite there being no suspension by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority. The same goes for Accountants and other professional jobs and the same should apply to Asif.

So your logic is "if you have had a professional ban in your chosen profession, then you will never be employable again".

Okay, if that is seriously being used as a figleaf to continue to exclude Asif 17 months after his ban ended, then by the same token Misbah-ul-Haq cannot be selected as he was banned as recently as last week.

Let's just say, your argument is absurd. Cricketers are not lawyers or accountants. And if Amir is back (who committed twice as many offences and took money for it, and went to a Young Offenders Prison when it turns out he wasn't only 18 anyway) how do you exclude Asif.

 

[Stark]

But surely its also true that in many other professions, if you have a continuous criminal record, you often are not eligible to apply for that post.

That should also apply in Asif's case. ..

A Lawyer who has a criminal record is very unlikely to be picked up by a city law firm despite there being no suspension by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority. The same goes for Accountants and other professional jobs and the same should apply to Asif.

All that WAS very much applicable on asif till the time it helped to prop up the case of amir. Now that the hype and promise associated with amir has fizzled out, the real reason behind the support has been now extended to asif as well.

 

[ali2220]

The reason is quite clear to me. PCB still do not believe that Asif is the best available option.

Laughable comment! Even a half fit Asif is easily better than the likes of Imran Khan and Rahat Ali.PCB doesn't want to bring Asif and Butt back to the team, and that has something to do with their past.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Laughable comment! Even a half fit Asif is easily better than the likes of Imran Khan and Rahat Ali.PCB doesn't want to bring Asif and Butt back to the team, and that has something to do with their past.

And even if it does, wouldn't that be wise?

If you cheat and defame the company you work for, and they pardon you, do you still expect to be called up for the same company just because you are a brilliant businessman?

 

[ali2220]

And even if it does, wouldn't that be wise?

If you cheat and defame the company you work for, and they pardon you, do you still expect to be called up for the same company just because you are a brilliant businessman?

My post was in response to someone who thinks that Asif isn't in the team coz PCB thinks that he isn't good enough with the ball, hope you got it now!

 

[Junaids]

And even if it does, wouldn't that be wise?

If you cheat and defame the company you work for, and they pardon you, do you still expect to be called up for the same company just because you are a brilliant businessman?

This is a very weak argument, for the following reasons:

1. Mohammad Amir took money for 2 non-balls. Section 233 of the ICC findings accepts that Asif took no money or other reward, and bowled only 1 marginal no-ball.

Yet you argue that Asif has to be kept out while ignoring that Amir - who had four months of mobile phone and SMS traffic to fixers - is in the team.

2. Misbah-ul-Haq has just been banned, much more recently than Asif. Are you seriously saying that Misbah has to be thrown out of the team for that?

 

[Dr_Bassim]

My post was in response to someone who thinks that Asif isn't in the team coz PCB thinks that he isn't good enough with the ball, hope you got it now!

I have always understood it.

1. He is not in the team, because PCB doesn't think he is fit enough.

2. He is not in the team, because PCB doesn't want to pick him because of his past shenanigans.

Either way PCB loses.

Because fans think Asif will lead Pakistan to a famous victory over Australia.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

This is a very weak argument, for the following reasons:

1. Mohammad Amir took money for 2 non-balls. Section 233 of the ICC findings accepts that Asif took no money or other reward, and bowled only 1 marginal no-ball.

Yet you argue that Asif has to be kept out while ignoring that Amir - who had three months of mobile phone and SMS traffic to fixers - is in the team.

2. Misbah-ul-Haq has just been banned, much more recently than Asif. Are you seriously saying that Misbah has to be thrown out of the team for that?

Banned for what?

Taking money and bowling no-balls?

Or was it something different?

Me going to the store and stealing something, might still be eligible for a repeat trial in the store, if the owner trusts me enough.

Me going to the store, robbing the store at gunpoint, and killing the owner's wife, is not going to make me get another job in the store, no matter what I do.

I have to laugh at you Junaids.

You bring Amir into the picture, after you wrote thousands of posts, on why he should be in the team, and now you want Asif in the team because Amir is in the team.

Why don't you stop beating about the bush, and say , I wanted both of them in the team, 5 years ago and if you could have personally helped it, you would have personally appealed to ICC to reduce the ban.

This façade of hiding behind logic is getting tiresome now.

I know you are a fan of both, but just admit, no matter what they do, you want them both back because that was how you envisioned it for them 05 years ago when they were banned.

 

[ali2220]

I have always understood it.

1. He is not in the team, because PCB doesn't think he is fit enough.

2. He is not in the team, because PCB doesn't want to pick him because of his past shenanigans.

Either way PCB loses.

Because fans believes that Asif will do better than other pacers in Australia.

Corrected!

I have no issues with Asif being non-selected, infact i think even Asif knows that he might not play again for Pak again.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Corrected!

I have no issues with Asif being non-selected, infact i think even Asif knows that he might not play again for Pak again.

He will do better than other paces in Australia, because once upon a time there was a boy called Robin Hood....

Does that remind you of someone?

Amir will do better than all other people when he makes a comeback, because he is potential ATG while others are ordinary.

I don't need to explain myself how that is panning out.

 

[Junaids]

Banned for what?

Taking money and bowling no-balls?

Or was it something different?

Me going to the store and stealing something, might still be eligible for a repeat trial in the store, if the owner trusts me enough.

Me going to the store, robbing the store at gunpoint, and killing the owner's wife, is not going to make me get another job in the store, no matter what I do.

I have to laugh at you Junaids.

You bring Amir into the picture, after you wrote thousands of posts, on why he should be in the team, and now you want Asif in the team because Amir is in the team.

Why don't you stop beating about the bush, and say , I wanted both of them in the team, 5 years ago and if you could have personally helped it, you would have personally appealed to ICC to reduce the ban.

This façade of hiding behind logic is getting tiresome now.

I know you are a fan of both, but just admit, no matter what they do, you want them both back because that was how you envisioned it for them 05 years ago when they were banned.

No, [MENTION=43242]Dr_Bassim[/MENTION], emphatically not "Taking money".

Mohammad Asif did not take money. The ICC accepted that.

My position is simple: all three players were banned for 5 years, 5 years is up, they should be back in the team unless they mess up completely in a tiny amount of First Class cricket to prove their skills.

I wrote about Amir because he was the only one up for selection a year ago. But I wrote at the time of the CAS appeal that the evidence against Mohammad Asif was woefully inadequate and that he should not have been convicted.

Do I think Asif was guilty? Yes.

But there is no evidence. The only evidence is a dodgy video by a man who is in jail for falsifying videos.

Unlike with Amir and Butt there is no phone or SMS evidence and there is no money trail because he wasn't paid.

The newspaper admitted that it targeted the three players not because they were known to be corrupt but because they were the best three players and the three most famous ones and would sell more newspapers.

And there is no reason to imagine - other than the rise of Babar Azam - that they are not still the best three players.

 

[ali2220]

He will do better than other paces in Australia, because once upon a time there was a boy called Robin Hood....

Does that remind you of someone?

Amir will do better than all other people when he makes a comeback, because he is potential ATG while others are ordinary.

I don't need to explain myself how that is panning out.

Aamer is in team because he's still doing good, he's not an ATG, but he's better than the one we have, and thats why he's in the team.
Likewise ppl do believe that Asif is still the best new ball bowler in Pak and the best right armer, ofcourse having him in the team doesn't mean Pak will end up winning test matches in Australia.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Aamer is in team because he's still doing good, he's not an ATG, but he's better than the one we have, and thats why he's in the team.
Likewise ppl do believe that Asif is still the best new ball bowler in Pak and the best right armer, ofcourse having him in the team doesn't mean Pak will end up winning test matches in Australia.

But that's my point.

Amir is in the team. not necessarily "because he is the best bowler in Pakistan" but because "he is the best bowler in Pakistan that fans want because of his performances 05 years ago".

There are many other bowlers who have bowled for years, but haven't even been given chances, but Amir was on road to the team, even before his ban was finished.

Similarly, there might be bowlers equivalent to Asif in Pakistan, but since we do not want to try them out, Asif is labelled a genius based on what he did 05 years ago.

Both of them are highly optimistic assumptions.

And I sincerely hope that PCB has sense not to consider fan's assumptions for selecting the team.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

No, [MENTION=43242]Dr_Bassim[/MENTION], emphatically not "Taking money".

Mohammad Asif did not take money. The ICC accepted that.

My position is simple: all three players were banned for 5 years, 5 years is up, they should be back in the team unless they mess up completely in a tiny amount of First Class cricket to prove their skills.

I wrote about Amir because he was the only one up for selection a year ago. But I wrote at the time of the CAS appeal that the evidence against Mohammad Asif was woefully inadequate and that he should not have been convicted.

Do I think Asif was guilty? Yes.

But there is no evidence. The only evidence is a dodgy video by a man who is in jail for falsifying videos.

Unlike with Amir and Butt there is no phone or SMS evidence and there is no money trail because he wasn't paid.

The newspaper admitted that it targeted the three players not because they were known to be corrupt but because they were the best three players and the three most famous ones and would sell more newspapers.

And there is no reason to imagine - other than the rise of Babar Azam - that they are not still the best three players.

Yes, and there is also no reason to believe they are, except for mind fantasies.

 

[ali2220]

I don't think fan's opinion matters, Aamer came back into the team because unfortunately he still was the best we had.Plenty were given chances, but they were not good enough, and if they were, then why they couldn't establish their place in the team? You can still give chances to the likes of Tabish and others, but we all know the results.I'm not saying that answer is to bring back Asifs and butts, its unfortunately a very sad situation and has a lot to do with our horrible domestic cricket.

 

[Zak_Fan]

Laughable comment! Even a half fit Asif is easily better than the likes of Imran Khan and Rahat Ali.PCB doesn't want to bring Asif and Butt back to the team, and that has something to do with their past.

Then why is he not head and shoulders above others in domestic Cricket? From what I read, he is not even among top performers.

 

[Junaids]

Then why is he not head and shoulders above others in domestic Cricket? From what I read, he is not even among top performers.

He never was.

Mohammad Asif's modus operandi was never that well suited for domestic cricket in Pakistan.

He sets up a batsman over a 5 over spell and then takes him out. But with this ball on these pitches, Waqas Maqsood just needs to angle the ball across the batsman and he gets out.

Mind you, Asif is not doing worse than other quicks.

His three day's work in the recent QEA semi-final in all but name were:
Day 1: 9-3-25-0
Day 3: 14-7-13-0
Day 4: 3-0-3-3

People often misunderstand the difference between Test and ODI cricket and think that ODI is the only form where economy matters.

In reality, it is Test and First Class cricket where this sort of stifling economy is most effective, backed up by a slip cordon.

 

[Zak_Fan]

He never was.

Mohammad Asif's modus operandi was never that well suited for domestic cricket in Pakistan.

He sets up a batsman over a 5 over spell and then takes him out. But with this ball on these pitches, Waqas Maqsood just needs to angle the ball across the batsman and he gets out.

Mind you, Asif is not doing worse than other quicks.

His three day's work in the recent QEA semi-final in all but name were:
Day 1: 9-3-25-0
Day 3: 14-7-13-0
Day 4: 3-0-3-3

People often misunderstand the difference between Test and ODI cricket and think that ODI is the only form where economy matters.

In reality, it is Test and First Class cricket where this sort of stifling economy is most effective, backed up by a slip cordon.

Well, selectors are clearly not looking at it the same way. For a board like PCB, the only possible thing delaying Asif's return will be performance, not ICC or some other external influence.

 

[sjahmed23]

Obviously ICC didn't. This is just another cheap attempt by them to stay relevent and try to restart their careers by playing the victum card.

 

[Junaids]

Obviously ICC didn't. This is just another cheap attempt by them to stay relevent and try to restart their careers by playing the victum card.

Actually, I think figures within the PCB were trying to obstruct Asif and Butt during their bans by failing to comply with the ICC direction that the PCB complete their rehabilitation programs during their bans.

That's why the ICC came out 15 months ago and shocked the PCB by announcing to the world that Asif and Butt were eligible from 2 September 2015.

The PCB obstructionists have tried to imply all along that the ICC won't let Asif and Butt return.

So for the second time in 15 months the ICC has responded directly by telling the world that Asif and Butt are eligible and that any obstruction is coming from the PCB, not the ICC.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Actually, I think figures within the PCB were trying to obstruct Asif and Butt during their bans by failing to comply with the ICC direction that the PCB complete their rehabilitation programs during their bans.

That's why the ICC came out 15 months ago and shocked the PCB by announcing to the world that Asif and Butt were eligible from 2 September 2015.

The PCB obstructionists have tried to imply all along that the ICC won't let Asif and Butt return.

So for the second time in 15 months the ICC has responded directly by telling the world that Asif and Butt are eligible and that any obstruction is coming from the PCB, not the ICC.

Look on the bright side.

If Asif was selected and Pakistan still lost 3-0 , you would have to hide behind Misbah and Younis incompetence as primary cause.

This way, even if we lose 3-0 , you can always blame team selection, bowlers, tour itinerary and other paraphernalia for the defeat.

However, provided we draw or win , you can always highlight Babar Azam and Muhammad Amir for their instrumental role in making it happen.

Trust me, you wont have a gloomy day either way.

 

[Junaids]

Look on the bright side.

If Asif was selected and Pakistan still lost 3-0 , you would have to hide behind Misbah and Younis incompetence as primary cause.

This way, even if we lose 3-0 , you can always blame team selection, bowlers, tour itinerary and other paraphernalia for the defeat.

However, provided we draw or win , you can always highlight Babar Azam and Muhammad Amir for their instrumental role in making it happen.

Trust me, you wont have a gloomy day either way.

Not at all.

I have been a fan of your country's cricket team for forty years.

I have taken a couple of weeks off work to attend two of the three matches in Australia, and between tickets, flights and hotels I am going to spend around $3,000 doing this.

This should have been my chance to watch Pakistan finally win a series in Australia. But Inzamam has already lost the series by ignoring the only world class right-arm pace bowler and by picking elderly batsmen for Starc and Hazlewood to feast on.

When Asif wasn't picked for England I was disappointed but relieved for my own country and I believed Shahryar Khan's comments that if he played like he used to he'd be back in the team.

It only sunk in when the squad for NZ was announced that many actual Pakistanis would rather have the "moral victory" of losing rather than picking Asif and Butt and winning.

I get no pleasure from being proved right about why my team will lose. I'd rather they won.

 

[Kakar]

He has played 4 games and taken 15 wickets at 21.60. He is not even in top 45 wicket takers for the season. There are at least 10 bowlers who have taken more wickets and have averaged less than 20. So no, he hasn't done anything special this season to deserve a callup. Furthermore, Junaids has this requirement of everyone contributing with the bat. He has scored 15 runs this season at an average of 3.75. So, no effort whatsoever to improve his batting.

 

[Hitman]

No disrespect towards Pak cricket and my fellow posters here, but how can anyone want someone like Asif to be back in the Pak team after all the disgrace he has put his team into in the past? From being caught taking drugs TWICE, to smuggling drugs in another country to spot fixing ..... why would any rational fan want him back in the Pak team? Only for him to disgrace his team and nation once again?

 

[Hitman]

And before calling me a hater, I want to ask just a simple question.

Has any player in the past or present disgraced the game of cricket or his team and nation more than Asif? Any other player?

 

[Abdullah719]

No ICC, PCB ban on Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif: Shaharyar Khan

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan has said there was no restriction or reservations on part of the PCB or ICC on Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif playing international cricket again.

“There is no restriction or reservations from us or the ICC the fact is that the national selectors can consider them for selection but first they have to show their form and fitness at a consistent level in domestic cricket,” Khan said.

His remarks came after Asif and Butt said they were contemplating writing a letter to the ICC to confirm whether the world body had any reservations on them playing for Pakistan again.

Butt, Asif and Mohammad Aamir were found guilty of spot-fixing during the tour of England in late 2010 and sentenced to a minimum of five-years ban.

The ban expired last September and while the PCB permitted left-arm pacer Aamir to make a comeback to the national side, it has not had a clear policy on Butt and Asif.

But the PCB chief finally made it clear they can also be considered for national selection provided the selectors felt they were required.

“If they can perform consistently at the domestic level in first-class cricket they can be considered by the selectors who have not been given any instructions not to select them,” Khan insisted.

He also pointed out that the case of Aamir was different from those of Butt and Asif as the former was shown leniency and given some relaxation by the ICC and allowed to resume playing domestic cricket before his ban expired.

“But if Butt and Asif do well and fulfil all ICC anti-corruption requirements there is no bar on them playing international cricket again.”

http://indianexpress.com/article/sp...an-butt-mohammad-asif-shaharyar-khan-4417460/

 

[Speedster777]

“There is no restriction or reservations from us or the ICC the fact is that the national selectors can consider them for selection but first they have to show their form and fitness at a consistent level in domestic cricket,” Khan said.

Is he even watching the ongoing QAE? Asif is in top form leading his team into the finals. What more should he do??

 

[Abdullah719]

Is he even watching the ongoing QAE? Asif is in top form leading his team into the finals. What more should he do??

Taking the wickets of #7, #10 and #11 batsmen after being out due to injury for a couple of weeks doesn't really give the impression of 'top form'.

If he had bowled a larger volume of overs to allay the fitness concerns, he may have had a better chance of selection.

 

[Yossarian]

I completely agree with you. The other thing is that I have heard from individuals on this forum that Asif has served his ban and thus he should be allowed to play cricket again and they often cite examples of how people in other professions are allowed to do so. But surely its also true that in many other professions, if you have a continuous criminal record, you often are not eligible to apply for that post. That should also apply in Asif's case. Can the PCB risk becoming a laughing stock once again if they allow Asif to represent their institution and the entire Pakistan at the national level in another country and he goes on to commit another mistake?

A Lawyer who has a criminal record is very unlikely to be picked up by a city law firm despite there being no suspension by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority. The same goes for Accountants and other professional jobs and the same should apply to Asif.

Why do some keep coming up with such illogical examples. It's childish logic.

There is a massive difference between those professions that don't allow a convicted criminal to practice again, and those that do.

The difference is that the rules (about their being lifetime bans) are set out before the individual embarks in that profession and/or signs a contract, and thus before he/she commits the crime. The rules, and thus the types of penalties permissible, are not made up retrospectively.

In the case of these cricketers the governing body (the ICC) did not issue lifetime bans at the time it issued the penalties. Since those penalties are now served, it would be wrong to impose further penalties for the same offence.

 

[Speedster777]

Taking the wickets of #7, #10 and #11 batsmen after being out due to injury for a couple of weeks doesn't really give the impression of 'top form'.

If he had bowled a larger volume of overs to allay the fitness concerns, he may have had a better chance of selection.

Are Sohail Khan and Amir in top form who get tired after single innings ? Asif's performance in domestics is better than it was before the ban and he didn't just take three wickets he bowled at excellent line and length to tighten the grip on the batsmen that led to the downfall of 7 wickets. He has performed well throughout the tournament.

 

[Abdullah719]

Are Sohail Khan and Amir in top form who get tired after single innings ? Asif's performance in domestics is better than it was before the ban and he didn't just take three wickets he bowled at excellent line and length to tighten the grip on the batsmen that led to the downfall of 7 wickets. He has performed well throughout the tournament.

Throughout the tournament? He only played four out of ten games.

He performed well when he played, sure. But these outlandish claims of him running through sides are just myths.

Plus he obviously broke down after the first 2 or 3 games, which is a valid concern.

 

[sa]

Asif is not physically fit to perform at the international level. Regardless of how he bowled, there are chances that he will end up smuggling illegal drugs or not. Asif is the past of Pakistan; PCB should be forward thinking and try new bowlers in the future. Based on stats, in his prime when Asif played against Australia in Australia; Pakistan didn't win so his selection is not a long term solution.

 

[Speedster777]

He performed well when he played, sure. But these outlandish claims of him running through sides are just myths.

Nobody has said "he ran through sides". Read again.

 

[Abdullah719]

Nobody has said "he ran through sides". Read again.

Not referring to you specifically, but claims of his 'outstanding' performance by posters certainly gives the impression that he's been taking a ton of wickets and is one of the top performers, which isn't the case.

The final of the QeA Trophy starts tomorrow. Let's see how he performs.