Bans damaging for Pakistan cricket, say ex-players

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram admitted that the lengthy bans handed out to Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer for corruption on Saturday represented a new low for the besieged sport in the country.

"I feel sad for all three of these kids, two just over 20 and one just 18," Wasim told.

"I feel for their families because they are key players. This is a low for Pakistan cricket."

The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption tribunal on Saturday banned Butt for 10 years (five suspended), Asif for seven years (two suspended) and teenager Aamer for five.

Wasim said he hopes the punishments will serve as a lesson.

"Not only for cricketers in Pakistan, but also for the players of the world, this should be a lesson, and I sincerely hope that the ICC has set an example with this verdict and this will serve as a clean-up, not only in Pakistan cricket, but in world cricket," said Wasim.

Wasim said Aamer is a special talent.

Former Pakistan spinner Iqbal Qasim termed the decision as "upsetting".

Former captain Rashid Latif said the loss of the three players will be temporary.

"To gain an honest system, and have unquestionable integrity, you have to lose something and players come and go - this will be a momentary loss for Pakistan cricket," said Latif, who blew the match-fixing whistle against fellow players in 1994.

Former paceman Sarfraz Nawaz termed the decision as "pre-judged".