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.

“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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