Pak Sports Minister defends ban on trio !

Pak Sports Minister defended the ICC decision to ban the Pak trio of Amir, Butt and Asif.

Butt was banned for ten years, Asif for seven and Amir for five.

Jakhrani, the Pak sports minister, welcomed the ban saying it is a deterrent punishment, which will be exemplary.

"If any player from any country is involved in dirty act, they should be punished and this will be good for the game of cricket."

"If players are involved, there should be a punishment as other players would learn and we accept the decision," said the sports minister.

In the cricketing fraternity, different opinions have been voiced. This decision had sent shock waves through Pakistan and Shehriyar Khan, the former PCB boss said the decision was taken in a hurry and that the players were not given time to put their defence properly.

"ICC has given the verdict in a hurry so that the issue is resolved. Mohammad Amir should have been given a fair chance; his defence should have been considered. It's a disappointment for the Pakistan fans."

"This same issue was raised earlier in the 90s but there was nothing to prove the accusations."

Khan pointed out that it will affect Pak team's preparedenss for the WC, undermining their confidence.

"This will surely affect the morale of the players. It's a disappointment for the entire team. Such a verdict is surely going to affect the team. We have always played for the team and we will always continue to do so. Our spirit for the World Cup will remain the same. Shahid Afridi has to keep the morale get going in the team," the former PCB boss averred.