They were the most reliable players in the Pakistan line up before the News of the World named them in the alleged spot-fixing scam. Salman Butt was the captain of the side who was also the backbone of the brittle batting side, an excellent fielder and a decent captain who knew what to expect from his mates. With free-flowing hair, Mohammad Aamir was the poster-boy of the Pakistan side who could do no wrong while Mohammad Asif literally came back from the dead, after being banned, suspended and banned again for different reasons.As for the other two players, manager Intikhab Alam’s comments are enough to make one feel sorry for them. On return to Pakistan from United Arab Emirates where Pakistan drew the series against South Africa, in the absence of these three allegedly-tainted cricketers, the manager told media that they were not missed. “Wahab Riaz and Tanvir Ahmed did an excellent job in the test series and would prove to be ideal replacements of Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif.” Intikhab said.
Supposedly he knows something the press or the fans don’t know. Whatever the case, the players might be optimistic of their future but the board has declined to support them financially, legally and morally. The questions that boggles the minds of cricket fans all over the world is that whether Pakistan can sustain without these three or not.
The current Pakistan lacks the fire power - agreed - yet the former players believe that Pakistan can do without these three. Former left-arm spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim feels no player is indispensable in the Pakistan side. Talking to a local television channel, the former test cricketer said that every team in the world needs good players, but not every team needs players who have been alleged to have thrown matches. “These players may or may not have been involved in spot-fixing but they should go all out to defend themselves.” Iqbal said.
Iqbal also hopes that justice would be served to the players if they are not involved in anything illegal. But if they are found guilty, they should be dealt with according to the law. “I personally feel that Mohammad Aamir’s absence would matter the most to Pakistan since he is not only young but is also intelligent. He should not have been named in this saga but since he has been, he needs to plead his case and try to come out as clean as possible.” Iqbal said.
He added that if the charges are proved false, the Pakistan Cricket Board should take action against the British newspapers and tabloids. "The PCB must take legal action against the newspapers who made such accusations against the players so that they don't make the same mistake again in the future.” he said.
Former Pakistan coach and Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson claims that there is more than meets the eye. He believes the players were forced to fix the matches - if that is proved - by crime syndicates in the country. “The culture in Pakistan is too far removed from the rest of the world. I will not be surprised if one finds out that the players were threatened or their families were put to risk in order to make them do the unthinkable.” Lawson said.
Pakistan is a cricket playing nation that has many talented cricketers waiting for a chance. If these players are found innocent, they should be welcomed back with open arms. In case the verdict is guilty, they should be punished in such a manner that no player ever would try to look at a bookie, let alone talk to him.
