Last Episode of Spot-fixing Drama - - The Final Verdict Against Suspended Trio Might be Hanged by ICC Till Next Week

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will not release the final decision of the three-man tribunal examining the charges against the Pakistani tainted trio.

Sources claim that the apex cricket body will be holding the verdict and they might release them later this week. However, rumours have it that the final verdict might be released to the media later today after the three accused players read their closing statements of the six-day hearing in Doha, Qatar.

According to sources, “Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive would announce the verdict through a press release later in the week.”

Former Test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir are accused of spot-fixing allegations since the summer of 2010. The hearing is being held behind closed doors in Qatar Financial Centre Tower No 2. The trio continue to plead their innocence; however there have been reports that there are “growing differences” between Butt and Asif.

It is reported that Butt and Asif have been grilled the most by the ICC’s lawyers. Day four especially began with the completion of Butt’s lengthy cross-examination. Butt was also questioned by Asif’s lawyer and Butt’s lawyer in turn also bombarded Asif with queries.

However, interestingly Amir was not questioned by the two lawyers. His legal counsel also requested the three-man tribunal for deferred verdict.

The three disgraced players were suspended indefinitely in August 2010 by the ICC after Scotland Yard gathered evidences against them. The ICC’s anti-corruption unit was then held responsible to investigate the case. The ICC’s code of conduct commission carried out a tribunal hearing on Jan 6^th, 2011 and appointed a three-man tribunal to examine the charges.

The foul play of the three players was surfaced after a British tabloid carried out a “sting operation.” Mazhar Majeed, who identified himself as an agent of players, claimed that he had paid the two fast bowlers to deliberately bowl no-balls at specific times with collaboration of their captain, Butt.

The three-man tribunal panel consists of Michael Beloff QC from England, Sharad Rao of Kenya, and South African Justice Albie Sachs.

The media reports are suggesting that Amir might escape a harsher punishment. He along with Asif might face three to five bans. On the other hand, it is suggested that Butt might be handed with a life-time ban, putting a full stop to his cricketing career.