Pakistan Cricket Board backs bans on three players

by Adam D Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:40 pm

The Pakistan Cricket Board has backed the decision of an anti-corruption tribunal which banned three players for spot-fixing during a Test match.

Batsman Salman Butt and seam bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were banned for a minimum of five years.

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt called it "regrettable and a sad reality which must be faced."

He added: "I now hope this unfortunate saga is put to rest and we can concentrate on cricket."

All three players were found guilty by the International Cricket Council tribunal after a six-day hearing in the Qatari city of Doha.

Former captain Butt, 26, was handed a 10-year ban, half of which was suspended, Asif, 28, was banned for seven years, two suspended, and 18-year-old Amir was given a five-year ban.

full story and source - bbc website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/9389867.stm