Pakistan sponsor dumps Aamer

Cricket manufacturers BoomBoom have suspended their relationship with scandal-tainted bowler Mohammad Aamer and will review their deal with the Pakistan national team, the company said Wednesday.

BoomBoom, who have a two-year deal to supply Pakistan’s cricketers with kit and equipment, also have individual branding agreements in place with several players including Aamer. However the teenage bowling sensation’s alleged involvement in the “spot-fixing” betting scandal has forced BoomBoom to call a halt to their deal with the youngster.

BoomBoom said the move was necessary to protect the company’s image, stressing the guilt of the players involved was yet to be determined. “Like everyone else in the cricket world, we are truly saddened and shocked by these allegations. I sincerely hope they are not true,” BoomBoom managing director Ali Ehsan said in a statement.

“However, we are huge cricket lovers: pure and simple. We believe in, and encourage players to have, the freedom to play, fairly.

“We cannot allow our brand to be associated with any whiff of corruption or suspicion of foul play.

“While the suspension of our commercial involvement with Mohammad Aamer is not a step we take lightly, we nevertheless feel that it is the right thing to do while a judicial process unfolds and innocence or guilt is established.

“BoomBoom is also reviewing its position as official kit supplier to the Pakistan Cricket Board.”

Aamer and the two other players named in the scandal, Test captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif, are to face questioning in London on Thursday by Pakistani officials which could lead to them being sent home in disgrace. AFP