Suspended Pakistan trio barred from academy

Three Pakistani cricketers suspended over allegations of spot-fixing have been barred from practising at the national academy until investigations are complete, an official said Wednesday.

Former Test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer, suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last month during Pakistan’s tour of England, were turned away from the academy late Tuesday.

“A written decision is given to the players that they cannot practise at the national cricket academy while their case is on,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman Nadeem Sarwar told AFP.

The three players have been practicing at the academy since being allowed to return to Pakistan by British police on the condition that they fly back to London whenever required. They were twice interrogated over the allegations that they took money to bowl no-balls during Pakistan’s Test against England at Lord’s in August.

Salman last week told media he was eager to return to the national team.

“I am practising regularly so that if I am cleared I am readily available to play for the team,” said Salman.

The ICC is to hear the three players’ appeals in Qatar on October 30 and 31. Wahab Riaz, who is also under investigation, has been included in the national team for the limited overs and Test series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates starting next week. LAHORE, AFP