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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former captain and batting icon Javed Miandad asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday to maintain its zero tolerance policy on corruption and advised against recalling the tainted trio of Mohammad Asif, Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir to active cricket.
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| Javed Miandad. |
“They (the trio) have been involved in major offences and allowing them to return to the game of cricket at any level will be a wrong move,” warned Miandad while talking to APP on Thursday.
Miandad, who also served as PCB’s director general from 2009 to 2014, said fixing a match remained a big criminal offence in all sports-loving countries and that is the reason that the authorities always baulk at selecting those involved in dishonest and corrupt practices.
“Several renowned international footballers and other sportspersons vanished from the world scene just because they cheated on their country. Their medals and awards were taken back and nobody even knows them today,” remarked the legendary Miandad.
Stating that the tainted cricketers had damaged reputation of the country, the former captain maintained that the respect of the country should come first and as these players had damaged the country’s reputation at the international level, they should never be re-selected for Pakistan.
“Although they have served their punishment, they don’t deserve a second chance now since they have been involved in fixing the game by taking money,” said Miandad.
“If I were the PCB head, I would have made it clear to the three players that it is not possible for them to make it to the team again, ever.”
Miandad further said that Islam places great emphasis on honesty, adding that being Muslims these players should have been role models for others but unfortunately they put aside the glorious principles of Islam.
“It was really bad what they did. Our religion doesn’t allow such shameful acts. Also, they did not care that millions of passionate fans prayed for their success all the time but they took money to embrace defeat. So, how could you allow such players to represent the country once again?
“Their return will mean replacing them with someone else who has worked hard and has done nothing wrong,” the former captain said. “I think they should be made an example for others.
“We were a formidable side in the past and we could once again earn a spot among world’s top sides if we improve our domestic structure and concentrate on our youngsters rather than recalling those who indulged in criminal acts.”
Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2015
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Comments (79) Closed
Aug 21, 2015 11:04am
I fully agree with the views of Mr.Javed Miandad.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:08am
Wise words from a former heavy weight. They brought a bad name to our country.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:15am
Not only keep them away but use them as an example and set a precedent that cheating and humiliating your own country will never allow one to represent the country ever again!!!!!!
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Aug 21, 2015 11:15am
Islam also teach us to forgive
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Aug 21, 2015 11:17am
A good principled stance, keep the dirty ones out or it`d set a bad precedence.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:20am
As much as it hurts , to see Aamir and specially Asif ruined his career, I think Sir Mian, you are right!
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Aug 21, 2015 11:21am
Easy to single out few and letting the rest to do as they wish. Start the game of corruption from the wash room to the main room if you think that you wish to be a chief eradicator of corruption.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:22am
100 % true. And all the aspects he highlighted are all reasonable. Miandad was a genius, he is genius. And one can put Patriot instead of genius too.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:25am
Firstly it was not a MATCH, that was fixed.
Secondly, if it was that much big offence, then their punishment should have been that much serious as well. They have completed their punishment, so now there is no point of giving such statements. They are the ones who will be least prone to any such act.
ATLEAST.. M. Aamir should be given a chance. I do not agree with Miandad with due respect
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Aug 21, 2015 11:26am
Here is an example of man with character. God bless you Maindad.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:33am
Totally agreed with Miandad point of view!
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Aug 21, 2015 11:35am
No wonder nobody wants come out honestly. We have too many bigoted hawks who want to end you if they see one mistake. Trying to bring in religion where ever they feel senses won't prevail. Maybe we should have life sentence for every crime committed in this country. I am sure everyone wants a second chance for themselves....
Now, I totally understand why blatantly lying and never accepting is the norm.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:38am
very well said. now is the chance to show the current and future wannabe players that cheating and corruption has no place in pakistan cricket !
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Aug 21, 2015 11:39am
What they did was against islamic teachings, yes. Islam specifies punishment for wrong acts. They have served the punishments. Now they should be allowed back. Else it would be not 5 year bans but life bans which was not the original punishment. If you dont want them back, criticize the origibal pubishment period.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:40am
I agree with both Javed Miandad and Rashid Latif on one aspect of this whole mess. If we bring the trio back in the game, they will be replacing someone who has worked hard and fought his way into the side at a time when the big names were retiring. Would that be justice and fair reward for their hard work? Players like Ehsan Adil, Sami Aslam, and Anwar Ali will have to make way for them to make a comeback to the national side. Is that fair?? It just depicts the mentality in the country that once you achieve fame, by hook or by crook, you are always going to be a VIP, no matter what you do.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:40am
Thank you our legend. That is what is needed for every corrupt person in every department. no respect. no regard. no care. Hell with them.
Salute and utmost respect for every hard working and honest person.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:43am
I personally agree with Miandad but the public have a very short memory span. If we don't improce our ODI ranking then there will be a demand to bring them back, and PCB always reacts to pressure instead of any principled stance on any issue.
As great as Miandad was as a player, you always feel like he's applying for a position with his statements like 'If I were the PCB head...'
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Aug 21, 2015 11:44am
nice words from legend Maindad
pak cricketers shld b role model for others...they r muslms ist thn cricketrs
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Aug 21, 2015 11:53am
Off course Islam teaches us to forgive
But what he saying there is no second chance for the Trio to Represent Pak Team as there is other individuals who deserve more off a chance
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Aug 21, 2015 11:56am
Absolutely right Miandad. There is not even an iota of regret in their eyes. We as a nation are famous for not learning anything from history & we forget that history repeats itself but at a much higher cost. Try explaining their crime to a ten year old & look into his/her eyes. You will get the answer right there and then.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:58am
Spot on! Miandad!
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Aug 21, 2015 11:59am
Exceptionally talented trio, still hard to defend. Alas didn’t commit the crime. Agree with legendary Miandad.
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Aug 21, 2015 12:11pm
I do not agree with Miandad. The three have paid the price of their crime. Islam teaches us compassion and forgiveness. Let's not act self righteous and help them get back into normal life.
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Aug 21, 2015 12:13pm
Corrupt governments, corrupt political parties, corrupt bureaucrats, corrupt judiciary, corrupt religious scholars and mulla's. And we are talking about three youngster who were convicted on the evidences of corrupt newspaper for a NO BALL. Where are our priorities?????
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Aug 21, 2015 12:19pm
@farhan , yes, forgive but don't let them play!!!
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Aug 21, 2015 12:19pm
No room for cheats!
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Aug 21, 2015 12:19pm
Miandad is right. Although the trio has completed their suspended sentence, it should not mean that they should be in contention for the national team. They have served their punishment and should look for other professions through which they can find a place in the society. The nation has forgiven them and have moved past the fixing fiasco, therefore PCB should not bring the memories back.
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Aug 21, 2015 12:23pm
@farhan there is no need to drag religion into this matter. These 3 highly corrupt 'sportsmen' brought a bad name to the country and you still want to forgive them. Are you serious ??
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Aug 21, 2015 12:25pm
NRO for cricketers anyone ?
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Aug 21, 2015 12:28pm
I Strongly disagree with Miandad. If this is the case then WHY you guys have allowed Waqqar Younis and Waseem Akram to hold most senior Management/Training positions.
We all know and there is Court verdict that these guys MUST not be awarded any sort of responsible position in PCB.They were the bad trend setters.
AND Miandad sb please don't take Islamic pleas because as per Islam if you have met your punishment,then you are as fresh as a new born baby.
Please try to forgive if some one realizes that he has done something wrong.
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Aug 21, 2015 12:29pm
Totally agree with Javed Miandad! Dressing room atmosphere should not be compromised.
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Aug 21, 2015 12:36pm
Mr. Miandad ,we need to go with the standard International standards and practices to make sure we do not come under any fines and restrictions from International governing bodies plus we do not want to punish our players unnecessarily .
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Aug 21, 2015 12:38pm
I have no love lost for these guys but they have paid the price for their crime therefore if they are good enough to play (on merit) then they should be allowed.
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Aug 21, 2015 12:39pm
I respect Mr MIandad and he truly is a national hero, but sometimes one has to be more strategic in thought and vision. I am a proponent of zero tolerance and u think this has been shown in this case with the punishment served. But I can tell you this also with a taken like Mohd Amir teams like UK Australia and even India would be making 100 excuses of having him back as they know that this one person could make a huge difference to the current side. Also sports and money is such a lure that any 19 year old can fall prey to its pressure. The older 2 especially the captain I don't care much about as they knew exactly what was happening, but the little kid I think should be forgiven by the nation and given another chance because you never know he may become something really big. So I tequest Miandad bhai to be a little more sympathetic towards Amir and the nation to show more strategic insight than emotions. Salaam to all
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Aug 21, 2015 12:56pm
“Their return will mean replacing them with someone else who has worked hard and has done nothing wrong,”
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Aug 21, 2015 12:57pm
@farhan They aren't subject to be punished anymore. They can continue their cricketing passion on the domestic level but on the Intl. scene. Hell No!
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Aug 21, 2015 12:59pm
I would like to hear from Javed what his views are on past offending cricketers. He was a senior member of a team that had cricketers who dabbled in spot fixing in Sharjah. Javed may not have been involved but I am certain he knows a lot of what happened in the past. As some of you have correctly stated, Islam teaches us to forgive. Of the three cheats Amir was a teenager who was clearly unduly influenced by his Captain Salman and his senior player Asif. He was the only one of the three to immediately confess and apologize. Amir is worthy of forgiveness and a second chance.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:11pm
We have to remember that the tree cheated and rubbished the Pakistani nation and cricket fans the world over. We also have to remember these are not some ordinary member of public who did wrong, have served their bans and can return to life out of public domain instead these three are being asked to represent the nation once again. Yes Islam teaches to forgive but these three are also Muslims who knew and were cheating the very people who were praying for them be be successful. Personally I think give the hard working, honest (who are often poor) more opportunity that the rich and well connected only get. True and honest fans of the game including Pakistanis will never accept the three again not at international level anyway...never.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:13pm
Sport means natural talent and human ability to perform best so other feel great seeing great. I can not imagine how can some one fall to disgrace for few penny and hurt so many sport loving people still insists to play just for money again. I shut my eyes when ever I see these dishonest. I do not believe they have a slightest remorse what they have done to their country. Looking at Miandad one feel proud. Why these legendary are not on top jobs? Hockey is another example, some one just appointed with military background who has never played in street even. Mess and mess everywhere. sad
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Aug 21, 2015 01:18pm
Fully agree with what Javed Miandad has said.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:24pm
To expect such things in a country where corrupt, convicted, looters can return to become Presidents and Prime Ministers, is like day-dreaming.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:39pm
I would take an unpopular view. Has their name been tainted. Yes. Did they receive enough punishment. Some may disagree but I would say yes, serving time behind bars and being out of the game for 5 years during their prime is deemed as enough punishment. Do they deserve a second chance to redeem themselves. I would say, Yes. Every one deserves a second chance especially after they have been punished. As a society it is our responsibility to ensure their proper rehabilitation.
I would say PCB should encourage them to play at the same time arrange some training for them to also become motivational speakers for young budding cricketers and tell them about their adverse experience of taking bribe and being punished for it. This will not only help them to re-adjust but also help youngsters learn from their lessons to stay away from such humiliating actions.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:41pm
Totally agree with Javed Miandad.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:43pm
@farhan
Islam also advises you to talk, act and behave wisely and be a good role model. The act of forgiveness is an individual act. The state cannot forgive because it also has a duty to punish. Please ponder on the fine and subtle difference between the two.
These ex-crooks are claiming that they will teach youngsters not to repeat their mistakes. But their words have no credibility. The youngsters have learnt not to follow their nearly treasonous example because they have been punished. It is the punishment meted out that acts as a deterrent to others.
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Aug 21, 2015 01:44pm
Agree with Mr. Javed Miandad 100 per cent.
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Aug 21, 2015 02:09pm
@Imtiaz hydari
Forgiveness, compassion are traits for individual.
On the other hand the State needs to "just" and punishment is an important part of justice that only the state can dispense.
I want justice from the State of Pakistan for the wrongs these three crooks have done to me, my family and my nation. Why should I be expected to remain honest and principled while these crooks benefited financially from their anti-Pakistan, anti-cricket, and anti-people activities?
They have nothing to offer. The punishment is a deterrent , hopefully, for future aspiring offenders, if any.
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Aug 21, 2015 02:14pm
Well said Sir. Yes Islam does teach us to forgive...yes they have been but that does not mean letting them back into international limelight for Pakistan.
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Aug 21, 2015 02:17pm
It seems a calculated move by ICC to put pressure on PCB so that Muhammad Aamir upon whom PCB putting hopes should not get sellected in Pakistan team. Look Asif never appealed to reduce his ban and was almost out of scene but suddenly they cleared him together with Aamir.
?????????
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Aug 21, 2015 02:30pm
@A Pakistani
Spot on buddy.
We can forgive them - but can we forget what they did?
They not only robbed us, our families, and our nation - but they robbed the entire cricket community globally.
Cricket is a 'Gentleman's Game' and their conduct was certainly not gentlemanly.
I am not interested in who else may or may not be corrupt - these three guys were found guilty in a court of law.
If you bring them back, no lessons will ever be learned from this episode.
Sure, let them play cricket for franchises etc.
But represent the nation that only yesterday celebrated the anniversary of Rashid Minhas's bravery is a very different matter.
Next thing people will start saying is that the people that shot Malala should be let off too.
It is about time Pakistanis took serious responsibility for their actions.
Sad to say, given the unbelievable talent of Asif and the world-dominating potential of Aamir, we as a nation are probably better served in the long run without them.
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Aug 21, 2015 02:31pm
Yey yet Mr.Miandad
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Aug 21, 2015 02:45pm
Miandad's comments are completely out of place. Does he believe that we live in a paradise that is free of evil and there is no place in it for those who have sinned? But he has to realize that these 3 have admitted and apologized for their mistake and have also earned their punishment. Ever since the 2 bowlers are out of Pakistan team our bowling attack has become the most impotent in the world. Who knows it was planned by the enemies of Pakistan cricket and who knows Miandad knowingly or unknowingly is playing in their hands. Don't be a judge, just stay back and watch. Like you have done your contribution to Pakistan cricket, let others do their part for the country.
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Aug 21, 2015 02:57pm
I agree and disagree, there are some professions for example like in banking if someone has committed a crime , a person is banned and blacklisted even after surving his jail. They should get a chance to re-integrate in society but not at a level where these players can compromise the situation once again. They should be offered some roles to train youngesters in cricket academies, should be included in talent hunt programmes. No way these guys should be part of first class or international cricket. PCB should offer them some role where they can capitalise on their talent at a much junior level
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Aug 21, 2015 02:59pm
hate these trio please stay them away. thanks Miandad
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Aug 21, 2015 02:59pm
@Tanweer Khan use your brains man, he just delivered a no ball to earn a few bucks that are not easy to come by in Pakistan otherwise. The incident was given a big twist by the nasty Western media who are always ready to pounce on Pakistan on any given opportunity. What are you comparing this incident with?
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Aug 21, 2015 03:02pm
hate them greatly . thanks to Miandad
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Aug 21, 2015 03:02pm
he is right, there is no place in the team for cheaters like them but Amir was just a kid at the time, he should be allowed to play but salman and asif should be banned for life
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Aug 21, 2015 03:21pm
Miandad himself cheated many times during his career. It is not wise to tell someone else not to.
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Aug 21, 2015 03:24pm
They have served their sentences.......the whole thing is over........Miandad do not be emotional. If they deserve they should be given a chance....Amir deserves to be handled correctly and sensibly....
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Aug 21, 2015 03:35pm
..very right..let bygones be bygones.
There is dearth of talent in Pakistan.Zero tolerance of this corrupt trio which a worst name for Pakistan must always be standing example for the rest.
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Aug 21, 2015 03:57pm
These are the only cricketers who went through the entire process and suffered for not making the right choices. Whereas Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Moin Khan, Ijaz Ahmed were all involved in cricket related corruption and they are involved in national cricket.
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Aug 21, 2015 04:43pm
Thank you very much Mr . Javed Miandad , cricket is a gentlemen's game and these three are not even worth sweeping gentlemen's club .
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Aug 21, 2015 05:18pm
Well said Mr Miandad, it's about time for the CPB to confirm the same.
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Aug 21, 2015 05:38pm
Com'on zardari and sharif can deserve multiple chances too.. Allow these kids too.. I will only accept zero tolerance policy of it is applied to zardari, sharif and Moulana too :) simple and straight!
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Aug 21, 2015 07:02pm
Miandad I support your cause 100%
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Aug 21, 2015 07:10pm
Respectfully I completely disagree. What's the point of punishing them if you don't expect to rehabilitate them. Why didn't Miandad goto ICC court in England and complained. This punishment did come with a clause that these players will be allowed to play international cricket after they have served their time. So lets stop vilifying them and welcome them with open arms and a strict warning. Ok I have used some good English ...my education is finally paying off.
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Aug 21, 2015 07:16pm
I agree with Miandad Sir. But they can play grade 2 games
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Aug 21, 2015 07:44pm
Miandad should know that the purpose of punishment is correction. His advice lacks consideration for correction of mistake. There are many stages before a criminal deserves the harshest form of punishment.
The law experts suggested the punishment for the three players. It was sufficient for the first instance of crime and will be observed during the rest of their careers. They will get harsher punishment if they don't behave in future.
Compared to that how many of the Pakistani politicians ever were banned for life for looting national tax payers money and foreign aid money?
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Aug 21, 2015 07:47pm
@Arif Theft is theft. Why is it always the Westerners who help you catch the fraud? Why don't we have our own system that catches our own frauds.
Are you suggesting that its ok to do the fraud in the matches?
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Aug 21, 2015 08:50pm
@A Pakistani wake up - they have received their punishment!!!!!
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Aug 21, 2015 08:53pm
Their crime was "greed" not "cheating"
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Aug 21, 2015 08:57pm
@A.Ather Wow, what planet are you on, serious offence!!!..that is serious enough, this was the offence that was proven, there were more where the evidence was inconclusive.I'm a journalist, I was there on the day it all came out. They do not deserve to be selected ever again. If they were in the army and sold their country, they would have been tried for treason, and most probably executed or the the very least stripped of their uniform.
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Aug 21, 2015 11:04pm
Forgive?
They were representing our country, how dare they think that they can fix a match for their own greed while representing a country of 20 crore people?
They were representing Pakistan, a country not themselves! Because of them Pakistan had to face humiliation, they should be banned by PCB for the lifetime!
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Aug 21, 2015 11:05pm
Excellent advice by a great cricketer and a legendary mind but in the PCB's corridors of power dominated by the two bald brothers, who cares?
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Aug 21, 2015 11:38pm
I know nothing about cricket. But it would set a bad precedent to allow cheaters back in any team, served sentence or not. They can play lower level games but should not represent the country.
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Aug 22, 2015 01:09am
absolutely wrong by Miandad. Islam does preach honesty but it also preaches to forgive the one who repents.
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Aug 22, 2015 01:55am
Imagine you run a big global business.
Three of you very top executives start selling your trade secrets to your biggest competitors - and are caught.
You take them to a criminal court where they are put in prison for a short period of time.
At the same, they are banned from serving as company directors for 5 years.
After the 5 years are up, would you hire them back as company directors?
To me this is the same - these guys were not just banned by the ICC, the were convicted in a UK Criminal Court.
No other international cricketers have been convicted in a criminal court from my research.
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Aug 22, 2015 02:14am
@A.Ather You are entitled to your opinion. That's what great about any great democratic country.
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Aug 22, 2015 10:51am
He is acting like he was an angel....
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Aug 22, 2015 11:40am
Miandad is not a clean guy
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