Spot-fixing Drama Climax: Tainted Pak Trio Banned for Five Years by ICC

DOHA: In the most-awaited verdict, the International Cricket Council (ICC) independent tribunal, led by Michael Beloff QC, banned the Pakistan trio, Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif, and Muhammad Aamir for five year.

However, Salman Butt would attend the ICC Anti Corruption Classes for five years while Mohammad Asif will attend the classes for two years which makes the total ban on these two players to ten and seven years respectively. Mohammad Amir doesn’t need to appear for these courses.

The decision was taken after another round of hearing in Doha on Saturday after which, Michael Beloff QC announced the verdict.

As per details, the tribunal – comprising Michael Beloff QC, Sharad Rao and Justice Albie Sachs – has announced a sanction of ten years of ineligibility for Salman Butt (with five years of a suspended sentence); seven years for Mohammad Asif (with five years of a suspended sentence) and five years’ ineligibility for Mohammad Amir (with five years of a suspended sentence).

During the five years of suspension, none of the three cricketers can appear in any format of the game at any level whether domestic or county cricket.

The cricket careers of all the three players almost seem over until the trio reach the International Court of Arbitration and get their bans revoked.

Sources told The Sports Encounter that Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) can sentence these three players for two years in imprisonment if they are found guilty.