Former captain Salman Butt still claims himself innocent
Friday, June 22nd, 2012 12:14:01 by Faisal Farooq
Despite spending almost nine months in jail in the United Kingdom, former Pakistani skipper of the national cricket team Salman Butt claimed himself innocent of spot-fixing.
He made it clear that he had served a sentence for failure to report advances from a bookie, Mazhar Majeed.
He noted, “I have never entertained any offer, nothing ever practically happened in a match that was linked to any offer. Of spot-fixing or any fixing, I never asked anyone to do anything or bowl any no-balls, I am not associated with it”.
Speaking to the media at the Allama Iqbal airport in Lahore, the tainted cricketer confessed that he had failed to report the advances to due authorities. In his view, he had served a commuted punishment.
Extending his apology to the International Cricket Council (ICC), he said he didn’t report the advances between these two to three months because he knew the concerned person.
He anticipated that the former bookie and sporting agent, Mazhar Majeed, would correct his ways by realizing the wrongdoings.
He asserted, “To the people of Pakistan, all the cricketers, those who support us and make us stars, I apologize – but for failure to report”.
Refusing to reply questions of the media persons, the tainted cricketer said that he would arrange a press conference after consultation with his lawyer.
Commenting about his future intentions, the right-handed batsman said he wanted to make a comeback in the international cricket as a good person and good player.
It is vital to mention here that Salman Butt, who was implicated in spot-fixing for the third test match between Pakistan and England, had been convicted by an ICC tribunal in February 2011 on charges of failing to report an advance and for ordering two of his bowlers, playing under his command, to bowl no-balls at specific times during the match.
The former skipper was banned from the sport of cricket for 10 years, the last five of which were suspended, provided he did not commit further offences and participate in a Pakistan Cricket Board anti-corruption programme.
He along with Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were convicted by the Southwark court for conspiracy to cheat at gambling and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments in November 2011. Butt was sentenced to 30 months for this offense.
Tags: England, ICC, Karachi, lahore, Mazhar Majeed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, pcb, Salman Butt, uk, United Kingdom, Wouthwak CourtShort URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=26640
Posted by Faisal Farooq
on Jun 22 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Society, Sports.
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No shame and no remorse, he should not have been released this soon. They should have him right a statement of his guilt before giving even a day early release. Cash in him room while he was travelling from city to city and taped for his crimes, yet denial is what he has for the nation. Is Amir is lying after admitting his guilt? Where isi suo motu court now? HH brought shame to Pakistan but this man did not?