The ICC has made it clear that the suspended trio will play world cup if they will declare innocent by the Beloff-led tribunal. The news is very positive for the Pakistan team as they are seriously missing the services of Amir and Asif in their vulnerable bowling department and inclusion of either Amir or Asif will certainly lift the morale of the team and also boost the team’s chances of winning in the mega event.
The ICC had suspended three Pakistani players Salman Butt, M Asif and M Amir on their alleged involvement in spot-fixing scandal revealed by the British tabloid newspaper News of the World in August last year during the fourth Test match between Pakistan and England at Lords.
The ICC formed three-member tribunal to decide the fate of the players. The tribunal has started its hearing in Doha from Thursday (Jan 6) and will continue till January 11.
In the meantime, the deadline of announcing the preliminary squad for the participating teams is finished.
Meanwhile A make-or-break anti-corruption tribunal against Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt, M Asif and M Aami opened in Doha Thursday with the players facing lengthy bans if found guilty.
“It has just started. All three players are here,” an International Cricket Council official said from the closed door hearing at the Qatar Financial Centre.
It is scheduled to run until January 11, although lawyers have indicated a verdict may come earlier.
The three face charges of spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England last year in a scandal that rocked the sport. It is alleged that they conspired in the bowling of deliberate no-balls — claims they all deny.