Pakistani pacer released from British prison

Banned Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Asif, who found guilty of match fixing in 2010, has been released from prison after spending a six-month punishment in jail.

Britain Interior Ministry had decided not to deport the tainted Pakistani cricketer as he decided to file appeal against his conviction. He was kept in a prison for international convicts a few miles outside of London at Canterbury.

Ravi Gill, the counsel for Muhammad Asif, while speaking to the media said that his client’s visa had expired and so an appeal to extend the visa has been made. He, however, said that they had not received any answer thus far.

The inglorious troika, Mohammad Asif, Salman Butt and Muhammad Amir were all given jail terms of varying lengths by a court in London in October 2011 for being involved in spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010.

Both Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt have been imprisoned at Canterbury jail, whereas Muhammad Amir has spent half of his sentence at a young offenders’ facility.

Amir, the youngest of the three, returned home in March after completing his jail term and he has also decided against appealing against the five year ban imposed on him by the ICC (International Cricket Council). All of them found guilty of fixing spots with British citizen Mazhar Majeed.

Muhammad Asif, 29, was jailed for 12 months while Butt was given a 30-month sentence. All three had appealed against their sentences but were rejected by the Lord Chief Justice.

In February 2011, an International Cricket Council (ICC) tribunal had banned former captain Butt for 10 years (the last five years of which have been suspended should no further offences happen), Asif for seven years (with last two years suspended should no further offences happen) and Mohammad Amir for five years.

According to his lawyer, Mohammad Asif’s case will be appealed and the ICC decision banning him from playing will also be appealed. Appeal documents have been prepared and he may stay with friends-family while in England, he added.

Mohammad Asif’s father was interviewed by media persons where he expressed his angst against the sentence allotted to his son.

He stated that the decision was made without any evidence and it was an unfair decision. He also stated that there was no reason for Mohammad Asif to discontinue playing cricket and that he will continue to play.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on May 3 2012. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan, Society, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.