Salim Malik will collaborate with ICC, PCB for their approval
Former tainted captain Salim Malik is prepared to cooperate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to obtain their approval, so that he can gain a living from the game.
In a video message, the former Test Captain, who was suspended for life by the PCB on the recommendations of the Justice (Retd) Malik Qayyum judicial commission report in 2000 due to match-fixing, also apologized for his actions to the country and his supporters.
While lower district and sessions court had lifted Malik’s life ban in 2008, the PCB has not permitted him back into its fold.
The 57-year-old said he’s willing to comply with the ICC and PCB on an unconditional basis and complete all recovery services that a player has to undergo for a comeback.
“Cricket has continuously been my source of income, so I think I should earn a second opportunity to gain my living from cricket, solely on human rights basis,” Malik said.
Malik said he should be given the same chance as the board could permit other blameworthy players to form a comeback.
PCB legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said it was good to hear Malik offering them and the ICC his absolute and unconditional cooperation.
Tafazzul Rizvi added “For any player wishing to make a comeback, the only way is to cooperate entirely with his board under the anti-corruption laws.” “First of all, Salim Malik should react the questions that we inquired him in April 2011 about the meetings he held in London,”
“The Anti-Corruption Unit of ICC had forwarded the meeting’s transcripts to the board, and Malik got a copy too.” Rizvi said.
According to a credible board source “Malik should clarify these meetings, then we are only able to proceed with his case.” “Malik had not yet replied to a PCB notice given in 2013 about the purpose of his meetings in the United Kingdom, and this is the reason why he was unable to make a comeback to cricket in coaching or any other sectors.
The source said to PTI “After being banned for life by the board in 2000 on the advice of the Justice (retd) Malik Qayyum judicial commission, Malik held some meetings in the United Kingdom, the transcripts of which were obtained by the ICC, raising questions about the intent of these meetings”.
The source said that the board has released a notice to Malik to first clarify the purpose of the meetings after Malik had applied to the board to allow him to hold a position as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy around 2010-11.
According to the source “PCB and ICC have not received any reply from Malik. So they refuse to make any declaration on the reason why Malik is not permitted to participate in any events related to cricket”.
Malik has played for Pakistan In 103 Tests and 283 One-Day Internationals. He is known as the finest batsmen among Pakistan’s cricket players.
