PCB chairman wants Aamer to appeal ban

The controversial case of Pakistani pacer Mohammad Aamer, who is facing a five-year long ban from the ICC for spot-fixing charges, has been given a new direction by the opinion of PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman Zaka Ashraf to appeal against the lengthy ban imposed by the ICC.

It has been just a few days since ICC (International Cricket Council) Chief Haroon Lorgat had advised Aamer not to appeal against ban and suddenly, Zaka Ashraf has surprised everyone with his words.

Lorgat had expressed his happiness about the fact that the PCB would undertake a rehabilitation program for Aamer, who holds the record of being the youngest bowler to take 50 Test wickets. But Ashraf’s intentions seem to be different, particularly after what he said about Aamer’s case.

Referring to ICC’s punishment as ‘harsh’, Ashraf feels that Aamer should appeal against the ban, though he has left the decision to the left-hand fast bowler.

After returning from Bangladesh, where the Pakistani team won their second Asia Cup with a 2-run win over the hosts, Ashraf said, “I think the five-year ban is too harsh and it is down to Aamer if he wishes to appeal against that lengthy ban imposed upon him.

“I would suggest that he does appeal against the ban, and I think the relevant body should take a lenient view given his age and the talent he possesses.”

Ashraf continued the defence of his nation’s young pacer by saying that everyone should do efforts to revive the career of this young and talented paceman, who has been trapped into the case of spot-fixing which also involved ex-skipper Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif.

He reiterated his point regarding Aamer’s innocence in the spot-fixing case, during which he intentionally bowled no-balls at a pre-decided times under the influence of Butt and agent Mazhar Majeed. Ashraf said that Aamer felt sorry for his mistake and that the talented youngster’s punishment should be reduced.