ICC charges tainted Pakistan players under its corruption code

Fri, Sep 03 10 02:57 AM

London, Sept 2 (PTI) International Cricket Council tonight charged three tainted Pakistan players under its anti-corruption code in the wake of the match-fixing scandal that has stunned cricket world. A statement issued by ICC confirmed that Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir have been charged with "various offences under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Players and Player Support Personnel relating to alleged irregular behaviour during, and in relation to, the fourth Test between England and Pakistan at Lord''s last month", the Cricinfo reported. It said the trio have been officially notified of the offences they are alleged to have committed and have been provisionally suspended pending a decision on those charges. In accordance with the provisions of the code, this means they are immediately barred from participating in all cricket and related activities until the case has been concluded. "The players have a right to contest this provisional suspension and a further opportunity to defend these charges at a full hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in accordance with Article 5 of the code. The players have 14 days from their receipt of the charge sheet to indicate their desire for a hearing," the statement said. "We will not tolerate corruption in cricket," ICC''s Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said, adding that "we must be decisive with such matters and if proven, these offences carry serious penalties up to a life ban." "The ICC will do everything possible to keep such conduct out of the game and we will stop at nothing to protect the sport''s integrity. While we believe the problem is not widespread, we must always be vigilant. "It is important, however, that we do not pre-judge the guilt of these three players. That is for the independent tribunal alone to decide," he said. The alleged offences against Pakistani players, if proved, would involve the imposition of a ban on them. There is also a possibility, at the discretion of the independent tribunal, that a fine would be imposed in addition to a ban. PTI ZH

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