Cricketing fortunes

The ICC ban on Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Amir, imposed in 2010 when they were found guilty of ‘spot fixing’, is over. The five-year ban ended on September 1. The three players, according to the ICC ruling, can now be rehabilitated back into cricket, initially by playing at a lower level. But should this happen? Do the three players deserve to be permitted back into international cricket and into a game to which they brought dishonour and embarrassment? The question is one the PCB will eventually need to settle. Right now, it seems to be dithering over the matter, not unexpected of a body that has so often struggled to make wise decisions. For the moment, the three players have been allowed to practice at the National Cricket Academy, but not when the national team is present there.
The point to be made is that Pakistan cricket has suffered immensely from match-fixing scandals. The one that erupted in the 1990s saw an ban on former captain Saleem Malik and off-spinner Akram Raza. It also drew in players like Waseem Akram and many others with big names. Other countries have faced similar situations. But we need to take responsibility for creating a clean playing field. An example needs to be set, and at any rate Salman Butt at 30 and Muhammad Asif at 32 are probably past their best playing years. Many former cricketers and the Pakistan captain are advising against their return so that new talent is allowed to blossom. There are others who can replace them and hopefully treat the game with the respect and the honesty that it deserves. The only exception could arise in the case of Muhammad Amir. Only 18 at the time of his ban, the immensely talented left-hand bowler has said he was coerced into doing the wrong that he did. This is hardly an excuse. But perhaps he has been punished sufficiently. But the game certainly does not have space for others, who, for the sake of greed, indulge in activities that can only bring a bad name to their country and to the game that has given them fame and recognition.