The countdown for Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif has begun. The axe on the three tainted players may fall sooner rather than later.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sent a strong message to the authorities of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to suspend the three players at the centre of spot-fixing scam although reports suggest that Pakistan wants to wait till the completion of inquiry before taking any action. The ICC, a highly-placed source said, is prepared to act if the PCB dillydallies on the matter.
As it stands, the board is reportedly sticking to its guns, with a spokesman saying that no player would be suspended until a final report was given by Thursday.
On Tuesday, the three players were left out of the team’s practice session in Taunton and were told to meet PCB officials in London. This move comes at a time when the Pakistan government is hinting of a conspiracy against its cricketers.
However, the ICC is in no mood to entertain excuses. It has been reliably learnt that the world body is determined to ensure strict and swift action. Unlike on previous occasions, it does not want to be seen as indecisive and inactive during cricket’s biggest scandal. Top ICC officials are believed to have spoken to PCB authorities. If no action has been taken yet, it is because the ICC does not want to disturb the process of criminal investigation being undertaken by the Scotland Yard.
ICC chief executive officer Haroon Lorgat is in Dubai but could be travelling to London soon. The world body’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit investigators have already reached London.
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