Karachi: The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) five-year ban on former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif ended on Wednesday, but the pair will be put under strict monitoring by Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) before being allowed to play again. Thirty two-year-old Asif confirmed that the PCB has asked him to improve on his fitness, attend psychiatrist sessions and give lectures to young players against misdeeds, TheDawn reports. He added that he is provided with two-month time to achieve the target, only after which he can be allowed to play freely. Butt, however, insisted that he just wants to play cricket, which runs through his blood. READ: Butt, Aamer and Asif should not be allowed to resume their careers, says Tanveer Ahmed
Meanwhile, a PCB official said the tainted trio, which includes Mohammad Aamer as well, will only be allowed to play controlled cricket and can start with club cricket for now. The disgraced trio were found guilty of match-fixing in the Lords Test between England and Pakistan in 2010. There have been questions over the rehabilitation of the trio, especially with reports of certain players in the current setup as well as fans who might be hostile over their return to the fold.
Several former cricketers have voiced out against their return, including the likes of retired Pakistan batting legend Javed Miandad and former England cricketer-turned-commentator David Lloyd. Miandad stated that the three should not be allowed to play again despite serving their punishments, and that Pakistan could earn a spot among the world’s top sides if they “concentrate on improving their youngsters rather than calling players indulging in criminal activities”. READ: Javed Miandad unhappy with PCB’s decision to recall spot-fixing trio
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