Ramiz Raja does not want tainted trio to be part of PSL

(From left) Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif (behind) and Salman Butt

Former Pakistani cricketer and Pakistan Super League (PSL) ambassador Ramiz Raja believes that the potential involvement of the tainted trio of Salman Butt, Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif in the upcoming PSL will be extremely dangerous to the image of Pakistan cricket and will have a negative impact on upcoming players.

Speaking to Dawn News, Raja resented the possibility of the trio playing a part in the PSL.

“I have solid views regarding this matter. The crime committed by them is unforgivable. I personally would never want them to be a part of the PSL as it is going to be extremely dangerous for the model of the event and image of Pakistan cricket,” the former player said.

Asif, Amir and Butt had got the green flag from the International Cricket Council (ICC) when their five-year spot-fixing ban ended on September 2. Despite the trio being cleared by the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a rehabilitation program and delayed their return to first-class cricket until February 2016, when the PSL is scheduled to happen.

Raja’s reaction comes after the PCB gave the trio the permission to train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. Amir already started playing grade cricket since April 2015 under a special exemption by the ICC.

“They get special treatment at the NCA,” Ramiz said. “They are provided with young players to train with, they get their clothes washed and have food at the academy. This is not acceptable.”

Former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif, also insisted on not allowing the trio back into cricket. However, former spearhead Shoaib Akhtar believes that the spot-fixing trio have suffered enough and that they deserve a second chance to represent their country.

Akhtar, who plans to buy a team in the PSL, wants to take Amir under his wings and hone his skills and make him a better player and a better person.

Both the T20 leagues in India and Bangladesh faced scrutiny due to corruption and lot of involvement of money which has led to the banning of players as well as teams. Raja’s insistence to not involve Asif, Amir and Butt arises due to this very reason.

“With involvement of money comes in the potential of corruption, but avoiding such circumstances totally depends on high-quality management and organising skills,” Raja concluded.

It is not yet certain whether the tainted trio will be involved in the inaugural PSL, but if there is continued and vehement opposition from significant stakeholders then the PCB might be pressured to further delay the return of the besmirched players.