PCB announces its policy on reintegration of the three banned cricketers

Lahore: The PCB hereby announces its policy on reintegration of the three banned cricketers namely Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir into Pakistan cricket.

Following the ICC’s decision that it has no objection of full return of participation in cricket of Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt with effect from 2^nd September 2015, subject to them fulfilling the conditions laid down by the independent anti-corruption tribunal, the PCB after seeking clarification and considering a number of factors that have a direct bearing on the team, has devised this reintegration/rehabilitation plan for smooth integration of the three players into cricket.

Chairman PCB Mr Shaharyar M. Khan said: “We had to consider the effect of an immediate induction of these players into cricket, the acceptability of these players amongst their fellow cricketers, the anticipated negative slogans at the grounds from cricket fans and its effect on the other players and the banned players’ own strength to deal with these pressures. Having considered all these factors we have come up with an action plan that will ensure a smooth and gradual induction of these players into cricket leading up to a full integration upon completion of rehabilitation and education programme.”

 

The following action plan will be implemented:

26^th Aug. – 1^st Sept. 2015                Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt to work with PCB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department in preparing lectures to be delivered to the players.

 

2^nd Sept. – 30^th Oct. 2015               Delivery of lectures in 16 regions by Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt. The trio will travel in regions depending on the availability of the players in those regions.

 

2^nd September – onwards              Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt to start playing district level and club cricket.

 

2^nd September onwards:               Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt to start practice regularly at the National Cricket Academy except when Pakistan national players practice, to avoid any untoward incident. Players will be able to use the NCA at will once the rehabilitation programme is completed.

 

2^nd September onwards:               All three players to maintain fitness levels and achieve the levels of 11 of bleep test for three consecutive months of September, October and November 2015. This should be conducted under the supervision of the NCA specialist staff who will submit their report to PCB.

 

5^th Sept. – 31^st Dec. 2015:                All three players to pay regular visits to Edhi homes, orphanages and places like Army Public School Peshawar in order to publicly contribute towards social responsibility obligations.

 

5^th Sept. 2015 – 28^th Feb. 2016:       All three players to have integration sessions with Bowling Coach Mushtaq Ahmed and Team Pakistan members in order to foster acceptability for probable future congenial environment in the dressing room in first class/international engagements. The players should have an apologetic attitude towards their fellow players, selectors and other stakeholders as a sign of sincere remorse.

 

15^th September onwards:              Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt to attend sessions with a psychologist spread over two days to prepare themselves to deal with pressures on their return.

 

Muhammad Amir’s rehabilitation and education program has already commenced, while Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif have to feature in each step of the action plan.

PCB expects that as a consequence of this rehabilitation and education programme the three cricketers will be ready for a full integration into cricket.

Chairman PCB Quote:

“While we recognize the importance of getting these three players back in our fold we are also cautious of the adverse impact it could have not only on the entire nation but on their fellow players if we hastily induct them into the national side. It would be unfair to expect these players to immediately pick the threads where they abruptly left off in 2010. They will also need to prove their fitness, ability and acceptability in cricket. The action plan prepared by PCB will beneficial to the trio and assist a smooth transition for their re-induction into Pakistan cricket. We hope that all three will fully cooperate and undergo each of the steps provided in the action plan.”