KARACHI - Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed says that the tainted trio of M Asif, M Aamir and Salman Butt should not be allowed to resume their careers.
Asif, Amir and Butt were cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resume playing professional cricket after their suspension period ended. Tanvir was of the opinion that any player, who has tarnished the reputation of his country by indulging in corrupt practices, should be kept as far away from the game as possible. “I am very clear on this and will repeat what I have said before,” Tanvir told www.PakPassion.net in an interview.
“Under no circumstances should these three players be allowed to resume their careers. “Anyone who has defamed Pakistan in such a manner cannot be allowed to walk back as if this was a simple thing,” he added.
The 36-year-old also urged the boards to set an example for the youngsters by taking a strong stand against the tainted trio. Tanvir was also surprised that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not issue sanctions against Asif, Amir and Butt. “If we are not strict with these players then someone else will also do it thinking that they will also get away with it. “To reiterate, someone who had no regard for his country and indulged in spot-fixing without a second thought should not be allowed near a cricket field, let alone wear the colours of the country! “The fact is that even though the ICC slapped a ban on these players, the PCB really did not take impose any such sanctions which I find very odd.”
Tanvir stated that though it is tough to tackle corruption in sports, it is the responsibility of the authorities to take stern actions that deter people from indulging in such practices. “There should be zero tolerance and we need to make sure that this tournament is protected from the evil of corruption. “Having said that, I do doubt if there is any power on earth that can stop people who have the intention to indulge in corrupt practices. “All major sports in the world are afflicted by this problem so it is not easy to stop this match or spot fixing. “All that can be done is to provide enough deterrent for crooked individuals to think twice about it.”
Revealing that there are a few Pakistan cricketers who have refused to play alongside the tainted trio, Tanvir said that the domestic players must be consulted before allowing the trio to resume their careers. “There are four or five Pakistan players who have clearly expressed their refusal to play alongside these three.
“If that is the case in the national team, then why does anyone think that the domestic players will simply welcome them with open arms? “We should not forget that it is the domestic level which forms the basis for the national team so the opinion of domestic players must be taken into account when deciding on allowing these three players back into the fold.”