Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

'Send the Pakistan team home from England'

August 31, 2010 13:04 IST

Irked by the slow approach of authorities in taking action against cricketers accused of spot-fixing, a British newspaper on Tuesday slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) and called for the entire Pakistan team be sent home from England.

British tabloid The Sun, took pot shots at ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for doing nothing despite the startling revelations.

"Cricket's men in suits mumble and mutter. And do nothing. From Lord's to Lahore, the sport's ruling bodies vow dire consequences against Pakistan's cheating Test players 'if they are found guilty'.

"The Pakistani squad were able to swan off to Somerset as if nothing had happened. Why should the four players most implicated in the betting allegations be allowed to play on?, the paper asked in its editorial.

"It is impossible to escape the impression that cricket's bosses hope the fuss will die down. If not, why have they failed to act with the firmness and resolve called for?

"We don't need cheats in cricket. Taxi to Heathrow, please -- for the entire Pakistan team," the editorial said.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to play a practice match against Somerset in Taunton on Thursday and the first Twenty20 International against England on Sunday.

They are also scheduled to play a five-match ODI series after two-match Twenty20 series.

PCB is under intense pressure to suspend the accused players -- captain Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Kamran Akmal and unnamed three players -- pending the investigation into the issue.

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.