Suspended Pakistan players head to Doha for hearing

Three Pakistan Test cricketers suspended over allegations of spot-fixing left Tuesday for Qatar to appear at an international tribunal that could ban them from the game.

By (AFP)

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Published: Tue 4 Jan 2011, 12:11 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 7:25 AM

An International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption tribunal headed by Michael Beloff QC will hear the case in Doha from January 6-11.

The two other members of the tribunal are Albie Sachs of South Africa and Sharad Rao of Kenya.

Former Test captain Salman Butt, and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer, were suspended by the ICC in September following spot-fixing allegations against them during the Lord’s Test against England a month earlier.

The suspension followed a sting operation by Britain’s News of the World claiming that several Pakistani players took money from a bookmaker to bowl deliberate no-balls and bat maiden overs.

Salman and Aamer had their appeals against suspension rejected in October, while Asif withdrew an initial appeal.

Salman’s appeal to postpone the hearing was also rejected last month.

Salman is represented by British-based lawyer Yasin Patel, Asif by Allan Cameron, brother of British Prime Minister David Cameron, while Aamer’s lawyer is Shahid Karim fromÂPakistan.

Talking to reporters at Lahore airport, Aamer said his priority was to clear his name.

“My lawyer has prepared the case extensively and I hope that I will be cleared,” said Aamer, who is accused of delivering deliberate no-balls during the Lord’s Test for money — a charge he has denied.

“This is the toughest period of my life but I am confident that it will be over and I will be playing for Pakistan soon,” said Aamer.

Punishments the players face range from a five-year suspension to life bans.


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