I have completed my punishment, Asif tells angry fans
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LAHORE: Disgraced Pakistan paceman Mohammad Asif said on Thursday he was ready to face fans' abuse when he returns to cricket after a five-year ban for spot-fixing, vowing to change their minds with his performances.
Asif is free to play again from September 2 after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced he had completed his punishment for his part in a 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England.
Asif, new ball partner Mohammad Amir and former captain Salman Butt were banned from all forms of the game for arranging deliberate no-balls during the Lord's Test against England in 2010 in return for money in a deal with an undercover tabloid reporter.
The ICC relaxed the ban on Amir earlier in the year, allowing him to play domestic matches, and said Wednesday Butt and Asif would be eligible from next month.
Asif told AFP he was relieved -- and braced for the abuse that may accompany his return to the field.
“What if people shout and call me a cheat? I am ready for that because I have taken every tough thing in the last five years on the chin, so let the fans show their anger,” he told AFP by phone from Lahore.
“I committed a mistake, for which I have asked for forgiveness from Allah almighty and have also said sorry to the nation, so I am ready to face any more anger and I am sure my deeds and my bowling will change views about me.”
Some in the game, including former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, have said the shamed trio should not be allowed to return but Asif insists he is a changed man.
“People should accept the fact that we have completed our punishment, relieved by the same body which banned us, so you can't give more punishment for one crime,” he said.
“I have made a resolution: to change people's opinions and not to make the same mistake again,” said Asif, who is gearing up to play for Lahore in the National Twenty20 tournament starting next month.
Asif said he had been dabbling in business and even films, but cricket remained his first priority -- and set his sights on a return to internationals.
“It's an open ground for everyone, if I perform, get my rhythm back then I will be selected for Pakistan again, for which I am very keen,” he said.
Imran Khan once rated Asif as Pakistan's best new-ball bowler at the time, but at 32 years old he may struggle to reach the heights of his early years.
Even before the spot-fixing scandal Asif had been a controversial figure, after failing two dope tests, the last of which in India's domestic Twenty20 league earned him a one-year ban in 2008
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Comments (106) Closed
Aug 20, 2015 06:05pm
he deserved to be treated under treason case.. it was not a trivial crime... he sold his mother.... for few pennies.. Muhammad Amir due to young age could be given relxation but other two chaps does not deserved to be in team...
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Aug 20, 2015 06:06pm
Yeah, I m world we say
Once a cheater always a cheater.
Now pay the piper
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Aug 20, 2015 06:06pm
Pakistan dont need you cheater and how many time else you have sold
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Aug 20, 2015 06:08pm
Pakistan Cricket deserve better than this. No one in their right mind will support the come back of these crocks. Pakistan do not need you Mr Asif. Go somewhere else.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:09pm
We can ignore what you have done in the past... but we can not allow you to play for Pakistan again...
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Aug 20, 2015 06:12pm
Completion of punishment doesn't make one a clean person.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:13pm
Let's all say No to him and his cricket!
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Aug 20, 2015 06:18pm
We should learn to forgive as he has completed his punishment. We should give him some space and one more chance.
God bless you Asif.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:19pm
We are looking forward to see a change man in the field. Good luck son.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:19pm
There is no place for cheaters in green team!
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Aug 20, 2015 06:21pm
Pakistan have a lot of talent and in the recent series against SL, they proved themselves, so the green shirts don't need u cheaters.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:23pm
Ok so he is a drug cheater TWICE and a corrupt individual? Not to mention a liar too since he denied everything until he was told he MUST come out.He was never sincere. Sorry he cheated thrice. For the sanctity of PK honour he should be banned for life. Its once a cheat always a cheat but he is thrice a cheat always a cheat.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:24pm
Just one word. Shameless.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:26pm
There is something called self esteem. You have shamed a nation.. dont shame yourself again by playing cricket.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:27pm
And what about the stigma that you have given to Pakistan? Will it go away that easily?
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Aug 20, 2015 06:29pm
Once a cheater always a cheater.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:32pm
Dear Asif and Co.
Yes, You have completed your punishment but the shame you brought on us will stay forever. Hence you shall stay away from Pakistan colors forever.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:32pm
RIP
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Aug 20, 2015 06:32pm
While more than 61% of the people in the survey are supporting their inclusion in the national team, surprisingly all the comments here are from people opposing it. I am also against their coming back and representing national colors again after what they did in 2010. Would like to see some comments from people who support their inclusion. Would a family ever rehire a maid who was once caught sexually abusing their children?
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Aug 20, 2015 06:32pm
Who are we to judge them. They have been punished for their act, they completed their punishment. Now they can play cricket and they need to show their performance by playing good cricket. It should be their good play which will make them selected in the Pakistan Team. People who are criticizing their comeback, I will just suggest them to sit back and let the selectors and ICC do their work.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:34pm
There was a day that I would be at the edge of my chair when you ran in to take a wicket BUT have you Asif not gone a little too far?
I think you dont deserve another chance.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:34pm
"I have completed my punishment". That then makes him Pakeeza once again. How baffling.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:39pm
Failed dope test twice. Caught at the Dubai airport with an illegal drug. Was involved in fighting in the dressing room. Caught for spot fixing in England. As far as I see it, you will never change mate!
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Aug 20, 2015 06:46pm
Please correct me if I am wrong, before this scandal he was not sent to jail in UAE for keeping some illegal substance(heroin).
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Aug 20, 2015 06:48pm
Their cases should be referred to the military courts.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:48pm
@Aijaz
Ha ha , and yet Pakistan voted for sharifs, ironic??
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Aug 20, 2015 06:52pm
Asif your punishment has not completed, it is just going to start. Ban meant you could not play even if the Board wanted you to play, but now you would not be able to play even if you are allowed to.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:56pm
Everyone deserves a second chance. These three come from a culture where corruption is the norm. Most people on this forum who are calling for a permanent ban on him don't realize that they have done wrong things too in the past (cheated on exams, given bribes to police officials, etc.), but got away with it.
With a guy like Asif, I do have reservations about his rehabilitation as this was not his first offence. He is perhaps more susceptible to risky behavior than the other two and may have to be very closely watched for as long as he plays.
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Aug 20, 2015 06:59pm
No need to take these cheaters back. They have disgraced the country. Bringing them back will rehash memories of Lords every time they play. Besides, our team is doing good without them, so why bring them back. They have a right to earn a living but not playing cricket.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:02pm
Cricketers like him come dime a dozen so a big NO for him and others who sold their souls. Imagine if a general would do the same, he'd be hanged. These guys should move on and forget about playing for our national team.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:11pm
They do not deserve to represent Pakistan in international cricket. They not only disgraced Pakistan but also entire cricket game.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:12pm
I saw Asif at a dinner reception in Oslo last year and was mostly ignore by people. I was told by someone there that he is hugely unpopular in the Pakistani community in Oslo and is called by different not-so-nice names. People will never forgive anyone who brought a bad name to Pakistan.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:12pm
I saw Asif at a dinner reception in Oslo last year and was mostly ignore by people. I was told by someone there that he is hugely unpopular in the Pakistani community in Oslo and is called by different not-so-nice names. People will never forgive anyone who brought a bad name to Pakistan.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:20pm
But you need to prove you are serious about the game now! Non-serious & irresponsible attitudes have ruined the game..
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Aug 20, 2015 07:25pm
If Pakistan cricket board give this trio another chance then they will also be called partners of those cheaters. It will bring another shame for the country and all members of the board will come under the shadow of doubts.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:37pm
they should not be allowed to have any formal role in cricket, though I would let Aamer off the hook only because he was 17 and it was the captain who tried to corrupt him.
but the other 2 knew what they were doing. They deserve no sympathy. They should be kept away from the new generation for life.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:38pm
India runs international cricket, we follow them. They never punish any fixer of their own.
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Aug 20, 2015 07:43pm
Then every criminal in Pakistan would say they have done their time so it's ok. Even Pakistanis Fan ignore your crime but when ever you would play , the foreign commentators are going to mention your past , which would bring more humalation to Pakistan, you and your partners in crime wouldnt be able to shut their mouths
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Aug 20, 2015 07:49pm
i dont want any of the trio being playing in cricket
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Aug 20, 2015 07:53pm
@Observer
You're right.
He made mistakes and he's paid the price. Now he deserves the chances allowed to everyone else. If he proves himself, he should play!
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Aug 20, 2015 07:53pm
If we can forgive monster corrupt politicians n elect them again n again despite mega corruption then why not these three.
I am quite sure Amir can play for some years in international cricket and the other two may continue to play first class cricket to meet their ends..
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Aug 20, 2015 07:59pm
Ayan Ali was chief guest at a function in Karachi University yesterday. Let them too live their lives. Their crime was not bigger then Ayan, Zardari, Nawaz Sharif. They have embezzled billions
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Aug 20, 2015 08:06pm
@Em Moosa@abid first clean your leaders from the blessed country of pakistan who are and have decimated it, muhammad asif is one in a millionth of your population who have been dealt with his crime and he according to the pakistan and cricket authority have very respectively served it therfore if the higher authorities have paved way for them to resume then your and your negative peoples opinion only stay with yourselfs.
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Aug 20, 2015 08:15pm
@abid none of them deserve to be in the team
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Aug 20, 2015 08:29pm
People deserve a 2nd chance. I hope he will make Pakistan proud.
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Aug 20, 2015 08:30pm
He is right. He made a mistake and paid the price for it. Cannot punish him for all his life. He deserves a chance to redeem himself and make his country proud.
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Aug 20, 2015 08:34pm
Salaman and Asif should serve life bans, no imprisonment since they have served this already. Mohammed Amir should be allowed to play provided he proves himself in domestic.
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Aug 20, 2015 08:39pm
They should not be the part of our team again.suppose if we give them a chance then the other players can also commit such crime.we should learn lesson from India if an Indian player cheated his country they would not allow him to live in the though.
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Aug 20, 2015 08:47pm
None of them deserve to be selected again for Pakistan. They can not represent Pakistan. They cheated, they sold Pakistan's honor to make some money for themselves. They dont deserve to represent Pakistan any more. Kick them out.
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Aug 20, 2015 08:51pm
Indeed, but the main problem is you denied it for a long period of time before finally accepting it ...also you have a Dubai Fiasco under your belt which aint helping !
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Aug 20, 2015 08:52pm
He is right. What people fail to understand is that he did not commit a heinous crime like rape, robbery or murder etc. He bowled a few no balls to make a few quick bucks. He got caught and served the time for it.
However, if he has commited rape etc then yes I will be the first to object giving him a second chance.
The problem is that we do not pay our boys enough so that they do not get tempted. Here in US National heroes get paid millions a year.
Also, do you really think that the Eng, Aus, NZ, Indian, SA etc boys are not doing the same? They are but ICC does not have the guts to point fingers at them.
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Aug 20, 2015 08:59pm
You have completed your punishment but Pakistan is still suffering from your selfish corrupt acts. Leave Pakistan cricket alone. Dont allow your three faces to taint Pakistan's image again and again, when you are seen.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:03pm
He was suspended of using dope in India and then caught cheating in UK..... he says he has changed? I hope other countries do not issue him their visa on account of his conviction and jail time.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:13pm
@Mr Akhtar Hussain sb We are talking about cricket not politics here... Please stick to cricket and tell us how you justify their actions. Can anyone gaurantee they would not repeat it given another chance. I cant forget Salman where after he caught was found cursing Pakistani of caught in sense of inferiority complex referring to their belief in his misdoings based upon English reporting.... Today he acknowledged his wrong doings... I cant forget my time when those guys were caught red handed and I used to enter my office in a UK company with my head down where I was never stopped of advocating Pakistan cricket especially reverse swing art which was thought of ball tempering in those days...
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Aug 20, 2015 09:13pm
Convicts should not be allowed to represent Team Pakistan any more.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:14pm
Please tell us when your punishment should start and end and regarding nature of punishment.
You three have brought shame to Pakistan.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:19pm
You may have completed your sentence but your act of cheating the nation has not gone away. How can anyone believe you again?. There are 1000s of talented young men in Pakistan who would give an arm and leg to make it to the national team. You achieved that and threw it all away for money. I think you should start thinking about doing something else. No one believes you anymore. You should be ashamed to even show your face to a cricket loving crowd.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:22pm
If Salman, Asif and Amir are selected to play for Pakistan, I will never watch Pakistan play.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:29pm
He totally deserve to be a part of the Pakistani Cricket team. Let's not brush him off.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:32pm
we don't have dearth of talent. You are just rolling stone and nothing else!!!!
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Aug 20, 2015 09:50pm
Have they returned all the money they earned from cheating....no...
They can play not not with national team.
Please Don't compare sports with politics.I know people will tell what about politicians ? They are doing the same...
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Aug 20, 2015 09:55pm
Of the 3 banned only Amir was young enough to be given a second chance. This guy is corrupt to the core. Cant have him hurting the country's teputation again.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:59pm
We should give them 2nd chance.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:59pm
For all you sinless people (i'm sure there aren't any), was Afridi not a cheat too? Did he not try to rough up a pitch in one game and then try to bite on a ball in another? Yet he is playing for Pakistan? Was it because he was helping Pakistan win? A cheater nevertheless.
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Aug 20, 2015 09:59pm
We have no place for you in our hearts, please enjoy the black money you earned and leave us alone, we already suffered a lot because of your shameful act.
We dont want to see your faces of the media.
Request to Media, please stop posting their pics on the Newspaper/TV.Thanks
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Aug 20, 2015 10:03pm
He has completed his punishment and if given a chance is ready for another punishment.
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Aug 20, 2015 10:09pm
The purpose of punishment is to reform one's character. Those who are punished for their mistakes, usually become better persons than the rest of those who are around them and not under scrutiny.
The Pakistan team in general, and these three in particular, have been victims of an 'entrapment' and smear campaign by India. These three were the stooges who fell for the trap.
Hopefully they are street smart now, and can bring laurels with their performance.
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Aug 20, 2015 10:15pm
Salman and Asif sold Pakistan's dignity and honour and brought bad name to Pakistani cricket and should never be allowed to come back. Salim Malik,s crime was much lighter then these to petty men. Why doesn't Salim Malik also get the same come-back trertment?
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Aug 20, 2015 10:16pm
Only Muhammad Amir may be given consideration to be a part of a National team just because of his age at the time of the crime he committed and that was also by his seniors accomplices who pressurized him to do that.
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Aug 20, 2015 10:18pm
Forgiveness is a great thing!!
We all make mistakes in our lives. If someone comes out and admits their mistakes, they should be given a second chance.
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Aug 20, 2015 10:19pm
The guy first took drugs and was banned for some time. Then he was detained at Dubai Airport for carrying narcotic substance. And finally he was caught in spot fixing. The guy just does not have any shame. The crookedness is in his blood. He should never be allowed to play cricket at international level ever.
As Khawaja Asif would say "Koi Sharam Hoti hai Koi Haya hoti hai"
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Aug 20, 2015 10:39pm
these guys should not be allowed to play again
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Aug 20, 2015 10:40pm
He has not completed his punishment. This cheat has not even started his punishment. They have to realize they play for our country, Pakistan. Any attempt to cheat our country is Treason. He should not be allowed to play any form of cricket here in Pakistan
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Aug 20, 2015 10:47pm
Considering the current crop of players and recent improvements as a unit, it would be a huge disservice to Pakistan Cricket if an of these 3 clowns are allowed anywhere near a PCB Sanctioned pitch.
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Aug 20, 2015 10:47pm
It's easy to pass judgement on Amir who at 18 years old was caught in a wider web of entrapment and deception by the now bankrupt News of the World. It's also a known fact that ICC may have been in collusion in this conspiracy instigated by Rupert Murdoch's UK newspapers which were sued by top celebs and athletes for millions of pounds for illegally hacking their cell phones and private emails.
To quote the facts from a BBC report: "The resulting public outcry against News Corporation and its owner Rupert Murdoch led to several high-profile resignations, including Dow Jones chief executive Les Hinton, News International legal manager Tom Crone and chief executive Rebekah Brooks. The Commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Paul Stephenson, also resigned surrounding this conspiracy, "
No one's condoning wrongdoing by these young Pakistani cricketers, yet if their lawyers had investigated this conspiracy, perhaps justice would have been served.
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Aug 20, 2015 10:48pm
good for you that you have completed your punishment.. we still do not want you representing us again....
the fact that you do not care what the fans say and think, shows that you still lack empathy and fail to grasp the enormity of your deeds.. that clearly shows how sorry you actually were..
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Aug 20, 2015 11:00pm
The trio cheaters should not be allowed in any cricket, ethically and morally. But what can you say when you have cheaters all around ICC running cricket affairs? PCB governing board members like Shakil Shaikh, Najam Sethi, and Subhan Ahmed are all tainted, must have taken money or share in the future betting from the trio!
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Aug 20, 2015 11:19pm
He is actually corrupt enough to be a politician. We won't accept you in cricket, but we will happily accept you as our political leader and deplete our remaining reserves. Go big Asif!!
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Aug 20, 2015 11:39pm
Don't believe this guy. He is a compulsive criminal. Have people forgotten that he was also detained at Dubai Airport few years back on charge of drug possession. He was released only on the intervention of Pak Consulate. Then he was involved with this, ripping apart Muhammad Aamir's career as well.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:27am
The image of my country has been tarnished by these cheaters. My self pride as a Pakistani has been hurt so deeply that I still feel the pain of humiliation. Every day new talent is being discovered and have new talented players to gracefully represent Pakistan. There may be some leniency for Amir for his age but the other two hardened crooks deserve no mercy. It is time to move on.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:33am
I agree, they have paid their dues and should be given a fair chance at playing for Pakistan again.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:39am
A request to PCB, please do not pick ex-crimnal in future Pakistan National team. Let them play in domestic circuit. Encourage
Young Talent keep them away from ex-criminal.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:51am
Do these criminals deserve to have published their names and pictures in a decent newspaper other than their crimes they commit. Criminals have no place in Pakistan.
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Aug 21, 2015 03:15am
Mr. Asif, you were a shining star and we loved you. You cheated us once, twice and thrice we did not have the heart to forgive you. Ok i will forgive you the day you come clean. Your lawyer said, "follow the money". Tell us in a detailed video interview, what you did, how did you do it, who were the other culprits, what pressures you still bear - and yes when you do the all above I will lead a team myself and cheer for you again. But Mr. Asif I know you will do no such confession - so please dont waste our time. I will be disgusted to watch you in the T20 unless you come clean.
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Aug 21, 2015 03:34am
They have completed punishment....if they deserve based on fitness and form then a second change is valid!!!
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Aug 21, 2015 03:44am
only amir should be allowed as these 2 characters set him up.
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Aug 21, 2015 03:53am
All three of them have completed their sentences, now they should be given chance to play again especially, Muhammad Amir. Court has released them and they have apologized. We should not be so strict with them because we may destroy their lives and they may commit suicide. It's very hard to earn livelihood in Pakistan. They deserve a second chance. My son and me are desperately waiting to see Amir in action on international level.
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Aug 21, 2015 03:54am
You are right that according to law you should be allowed to play,but you have been caught multiple times for breaking law,that makes it difficult for us to show you on media and tell our children that you are a heroe.VERY SORRY,WE CANT SWALLOW THIS TIME.
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Aug 21, 2015 04:08am
Well Nawaz, Zardari, Altaf and many MNAs of PMLN, PPP and MQM were forgiven for their crimes by the Disgrace and harmful NRO contract.
Why shouldn't Cricket players be forgiven? at least they server their punishment time
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Aug 21, 2015 04:11am
Only Aamir deserves a second chance. The other two will not even be able play a competitive cricket.
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Aug 21, 2015 04:23am
You have completed you punishment but have not earned nations trust
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Aug 21, 2015 04:40am
As if our current team, managment, previous big names have a halo sign on their head and they have been descended from heaven and they loose the first few games of world cup by chance and not by fancy and fixing.
The one who get caught always gets the beating but the ones sitting on top always get a clean chit.
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Aug 21, 2015 04:58am
they have completed their punished & they have gone through terrible time also at the same time , they accepted regret what they did.......( still I doubt about whether the allegations were true ,to be honest )
now there is no need to dishonor them ...... they belong to Pakistan and we all should accept them with open-hearts ...........
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Aug 21, 2015 05:19am
People make mistakes,everyone makes mistakes,I thought everyone considers themselves as good a Muslims,if thats the case than who are we to judge others? Lets be real here,everyone gets a second chance,if it wasn't for the second chance,most of us wouldn't be where we are today.They have paid their dues,they have served the bans,paid the fines and faced humiliation,its time to forgive and move forward.
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Aug 21, 2015 05:58am
There should be no pardon for these players who disgrace Pakistan and should not be inducted in Pakistan team. Pakistan has better talent than these criminals
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Aug 21, 2015 06:03am
Not Again. His punishment is over but not ours
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Aug 21, 2015 06:09am
They should be allowed to make a living. They have done their time.
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Aug 21, 2015 06:15am
@seemab go learn to write properly first. Who are you to judge ? No one is perfect.
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Aug 21, 2015 06:48am
We don't need talent, we need honesty.
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Aug 21, 2015 07:10am
We dont need him in the team anyway.
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Aug 21, 2015 07:57am
It is a disgrace for Lahore to include him in their team - is that the best Lahore can offer to the nation a cheater?
People from Lahore should make sure that he is not playing under their name -
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Aug 21, 2015 09:20am
He is a very good bowler and deserves a chance.
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Aug 21, 2015 09:56am
Everyone deserves a second chance.
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Aug 21, 2015 10:17am
None of them deserve to represent their country ever again for cheating deceiving and bringing shame to the Nation!!!!
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Aug 21, 2015 10:55am
For all those people bashing him, please look into your own lives and see how many mistakes you've made which you needed a second chance for. Im sure he has learnt from the mistakes he has made, everyone needs a second chance. we need to give him a chance to prove himself.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:01am
Not again should we let them in the team, when the team has regained some team spirit and form. They should repent for the wrongdoing they did. Besides out of 180 million people if they we given the chance then why did they lose it in such disgraceful way. Now it is time for others to serve their country.
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