Wapda chairman defends Butt, Asif signings

E-Paper | June 14, 2026

LAHORE: Wapda chairman Zafar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif's return to competitive cricket, two days after the former domestic champions signed the spot-fixing tainted duo.

Mahmood said Butt and Asif will feature in their team in the First-class tournament starting in various cities from October 26.

“I was told of Butt and Asif's availability so I gave the sports department the go ahead and they have signed them,” Mahmood told AFP.

Butt and Asif are undergoing a rehabilitation programme under the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) since being relieved of the sanctions imposed on a five-year spot-fixing ban.

The pair, along with another paceman Mohammad Amir, were banned and jailed over a 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England.

The trio was accused of arranging deliberate no-balls during the Lord's Test against England in return for money in August 2010.

Amir is already playing domestic cricket after being relieved of his five-year ban in January following an amendment in the International Cricket Council's code of conduct which allowed banned players to feature in home matches a few months prior to their ban ends.

Butt and Asif were not given that relaxation and it is unclear whether the PCB will allow the duo an early return as Mahmood says.

The Wapda boss has been more forgive and said he was in favour of giving disgraced players a second chance.

“I am clear-headed that they deserved a second chance. In my opinion anyone who has received punishment for his crime is better than those who never get punishment for their wrongdoings,” said Mahmood.

PCB last month said the trio will be barred from first class and international match until the program ends on February 28 next year.

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Pakistani

Oct 10, 2015 02:22pm

Mr.Zafar Mehmood your opinion is flawed mainly because these two clowns kept denying their role and even went to Swiss court of arbitration to prove themselves innocent. It was only after they came to a dead end they then admitted their crime.

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SOS

Oct 10, 2015 02:24pm

Wapda Chairman himself is a corrupt to the core man hence he wants likewise corrupt cricketers too!!!

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Oct 10, 2015 02:33pm

So some people deserve a second chance, but the majority not even a FIRST chance? There is an endless pool of cricket talent in this country so why...why is there any need to get into this moral dilemma of forgive etc. Those that are untainted have far more right to such opportunities. Lastly, even after criminal conviction and serving time, the fact that you were convicted means you are not eligible for many things like elections, jobs, visas etc. Your criminal choices define you and stay with you for the rest of your life, and that is the deterrent to all others.

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Ahmed

Oct 10, 2015 02:43pm

"In my opinion anyone who has received punishment for his crime is better than those who never get punishment for their wrongdoings". well said!!

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usman

Oct 10, 2015 02:48pm

Its not punishment but regret that reforms an individual. A repentant mind is a beautiful mind.

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Dr Qureshi

Oct 10, 2015 02:57pm

There is no place for Corrupt cricketers in Pak team. PCB has not even punished them, only ICC did.

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Ample reverence 4 KSA & Pak Army

Oct 10, 2015 03:02pm

You are damn right Mr. Chairman and to me"To err is human-being and to forgive is divine" or else Please introduce me to any single sinless person on the face of the Land of pure! Who often claimed of being Angels and Saints! Certainly no one! Majority of people is polluted with different type of crimes what is reflecting the overall ailing present status of country. So plea to everyone to grow up because they have served their punishment. Even various players of different countries have been found guilty of match-fixing but their respective boards did not take any noteworthy action against the culprits and still they are playing around the world. Only this nation pretends of being Holy for nothing...! Sorry but hollow people as truth always bites!

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Amin

Oct 10, 2015 03:16pm

@Dr Qureshi you should have become a judge instead of a doctor and decided punishments for these two persons who have been caught by the system which invented fixing first and then banned it and might unban it if required.

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Pakistan

Oct 10, 2015 03:19pm

This is just pathetic. I am sure Chairman is trying to compensate for his own sins. WAPDA is a corrupt organization and its chairman has this dubious appointment. He is a total failure and many employees of this once efficient body share this opinion. To those who have liked this, I can only say that are alien to a word self-esteem or dignity. No Team worth its name would like to enter the field with two convicts. But I suppose in case of WAPDA it is just natural.Shameful.

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Shahid

Oct 10, 2015 03:20pm

@hm Sorry but I totally disagree. Pakistan sporting talent is a fast dying breed and thats because the majority of people are now going into education. Whereas before sports was a good career option now it is not. I think the words "pre medical and pre engineering" are more common than coca cola in Pakistan now. As for what you say about them being criminals, im sorry but they have served their time. Furthermore, the rule of law states a man who has done the time can actively engage in normal society again. Plenty of examples across the world, I dont need to mention them.

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Ashraf Ahmad

Oct 10, 2015 03:33pm

I am for it and have no issue them playing at any level as long as they keep their discipline. Anyone getting emotionally charged up should look at the skeltons in their closets. Some of the best people of their times made mistakes and corrected them. " Live and let live"

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Umair Khalid

Oct 10, 2015 03:50pm

nice!!!

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alikhan

Oct 10, 2015 03:50pm

hm can't agree more with you.

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Asif Jamil

Oct 10, 2015 04:08pm

I think what the chairman has said would be supported by many fair minded people. We have a very corrupt country but how many of our billionaire politicians paid the penalty? Let us have some sense of proportion and fairness. Also, it is quite reprehensible to attack the chairman personally. Stick to what he has said about the players.

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A. Ali

Oct 10, 2015 04:08pm

PCB, you should tell same to Ramiz and his cronies, as they should keep their nose out of Amir's selection. the entire cricketing fraternity is getting mad about Amir's delay in national squad and yet Ramiz and Bros are conspiring to keep him away.

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Bilal

Oct 10, 2015 04:11pm

Well said. Agree.

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Gaf

Oct 10, 2015 04:19pm

WAPDA chairman is 100% correct. There numerous cricketers and officials who are corupt and are not punished. So if you are punished and done your time, you should be allowed to continue. There is no law stopping you. If tainted players are not allowed by ICC then there should be ban for only 5-10 years. Why only ban them for few years and then not allow them to play. You should call for a life ban in the first place. Why are other country players and officials allowed to continue. i.e. INDIAN, AUSTRALIAN, WEST INDIAN, SOUTH AFRICAN, NEW ZEALAND, ENGLAND and every other country or sport you can possibly think of.

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probono publico

Oct 10, 2015 04:34pm

Well said, Wapda Chairman! You're one hundred percent correct for those who never got punished for their crimes to nation. Bless you!.

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Muhammad Qasim

Oct 10, 2015 04:36pm

If any staff of Wapda is arrested for theft and punished by court does Mr Zaffar Mahmood will reinstate that staff in the Wapda again.Mr.Mahmood these trio cricketers have done serious crimes and they are cheaters and liars and brought bad name for Pakistan so please don't be so lenient to them.Wapda has big reputation in Sport so please don't spoil your name by favouring these corrupt cricketers.

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Kakagan

Oct 10, 2015 04:51pm

Wah.... What a pearl of wisdom !!

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sophocles

Oct 10, 2015 04:53pm

Anyone who does not engage in these crimes and wrongdoings is better than those who do - whether they get punished or not.

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rauf

Oct 10, 2015 04:54pm

Absolutely right. People who completed their punishment are better than those did not do so. They must be given a second chance. They also should be relaxed in rehabilitation process.

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kashif Kamran

Oct 10, 2015 04:58pm

@Ahmed Wapda Chairman please keep our Land clean. A thief is better than Robber, does that mean thief is welcome even after completing sentence. These thieves should been in prison in Pakistan as well for creating a very bad reputation for Pakistan. Pakistan rulers are already carrying bad name Mr WAPDA please dont add your name in the list. Crime convicted person is not granted visa by any civilized nation.

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Abu Hamza

Oct 10, 2015 05:02pm

@Amin .. So you want to drop the young guns who are doing well to bring these tainted individuals..? That's the prob in pak, ppl keep bring back same ppl who have deceived the public and looted the country. Why not give the newbys a chance?

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Shahid

Oct 10, 2015 05:04pm

@Muhammad Qasim Even countries like China have moved away from Pakistan because of its corruption and love to make money by any means. Do you know what it wasn't actually because of their three infamous cricketers, but more its businessmen, contractors and need I say, worlds greatest politicians. (which everyone is in Pakistan these days). A dose of reality is good for everyone in the land where everyone has a holier than thou attitude on the surface. Give these talented kids a chance, or they will leave the country for good like most middle class educated people are these days. Reality bites.

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kashif Kamran

Oct 10, 2015 05:06pm

@Shahid Shaid dont create more dirt by saying something which morally wrong. Person sentenced for crime is a criminal convict. There no room for such person in any society. PCB should punish them but such action is not taken in Pakistan as those persons are in a way involved themselves in wrong doings. Can any of these three thieves can ever get visa of any civilised country? Anser is NO

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kashif Kamran

Oct 10, 2015 05:08pm

@SOS Agreed Agreed Agreed. None of these three criminals can ever get visa to visit any civilised country. Why ? When other countries dont want them how come WAPDA guy want them?

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sab

Oct 10, 2015 05:15pm

WAPDA as an institution is corrupt so there is no surprise it welcomes corrupt players

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kashif Kamran

Oct 10, 2015 05:44pm

@Asif Jamil These criminal trio were representing whole nation that is every Pakistani. They cannot be compared with individual criminals as you mentioned. Why we should forgive those cheats. They escaped punishment in Pakista because of traditional corruption inviting system.

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kashif Kamran

Oct 10, 2015 05:46pm

@A. Ali Ramiz and associates are right. They have feeling for Pakistan and their opinion is protecting Pakistan Cricket Image. PCB is very unfair by not punishing them

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Gabol

Oct 10, 2015 05:50pm

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Dr Ahmad - Melbourne

Oct 10, 2015 05:52pm

PAWDA is a totally failed institute under Mr Zafar's chairmanship and electricity crisis are all over the country. Zafar should focus to deliver what his actual responsibility is rather getting into corrupt cricketers.

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KARACHI WALA

Oct 10, 2015 06:04pm

The Chairman is absolutely right. We Pakistanis must do away with holier than thou attitude. Most of us do not hesitate with any wrong doing big or small while giving all the lame excuses and justifications, accompanied with full of lies. The guys have served their time. Let them make some honest living now. If anyone is caught again, put a life ban.

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Khalid

Oct 10, 2015 06:05pm

So, you would employ a convicted armed robber who has spent many years in jail for looting a bank, as a security gurad in another bank?. Can't believe Wapda chairman said that!!.

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Khwaja

Oct 10, 2015 06:08pm

Mr. Zafar can talk foul as a head of the number one public organization of Pakistan.

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Oct 10, 2015 06:09pm

@Ahmed O yes. Couldn't agree more with wapda chairman.

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Farooq Jawed

Oct 10, 2015 06:13pm

This is a wrong message to send to our youth.. These are unrepentant cheats and are being given a chance to come back into the sport that they wronged, instead of lifetime banishment. What do you think will happen next when they would want to make up their lost income? The Gamblers, Bookies and all the other shady characters in their previous life still exist and they will be more than happy to accommodate them in the nefarious activities, that are sure to follow, to make money. Trusting these convicted cheats is like "Trusting a rabbit with a carrot".

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Abid Saleem

Oct 10, 2015 06:33pm

Actually Zafar is from Punab and he support b0th due t0 same province otherwise if the same crime commit by the other province than WAPDA will never give chance

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Munir

Oct 10, 2015 06:40pm

Good decision. Give them 2nd chance. They have families too and need to earn a living. But if they are found at wrong end again then life ban them.

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Zahid

Oct 10, 2015 06:48pm

Mr. Zafar Mehmood has got it grossly wrong here. Asif is not being given second choice. He has already availed more than four chances but did nothing to reform himself. He was sent back from India before the Champions trophy, banned for a year in IPL, and then rescued by Pak government from detention in UAE; all because of his addiction. Needless to say, he kept bringing the game into disrepute and the nation to disgrace. And yet is being given another chance? To prove what!

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masum

Oct 10, 2015 07:08pm

@Farooq Jawed After they have served their term , they are eligible to play again. There is nothing wrong in signing them. Many in Pakistan are roaming freely , living lavish life from ill gotten money. Why only these three are targeted ?

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Ali

Oct 10, 2015 07:37pm

Thanks to these impractical believes, WAPDA has been also brought to this state. Fully corrupt, going no where, performance to the lowest extent possible,

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Asif Jamil

Oct 10, 2015 07:55pm

@kashif Kamran I respect your opinion. Our politicians represent each one of us and the country. When they loot billions, each one of us has to pay IMF and other world lenders in repayment of loans with interest, and very stringent loan conditions which make the ordinary man in the street suffer - but he has not had the benefit of those loans to Pakistan! Think about it.

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M.Saeed

Oct 10, 2015 07:57pm

Wapda is the largest employer of manpower in the country after the armed forces. It is also by implication, the house for the highest percentage of people with twisted fingers. So, what is wrong if it employs two more twisted players?

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gayaz

Oct 10, 2015 08:10pm

Their performance will tell, how much hurt from ban, how much they miss cricket and how much they love cricket. Let their performance say!

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shoukat

Oct 10, 2015 08:12pm

people keep saying there is talent in Pakistan. The problem is there is no talent. Aamir asif were banned for five years did we find any bowler as good as both of these in five years?. No we did not. The system may be flawed but its not all wrong. This is same system which produced sarfaraz imran wasim waqar shoaib aamir asif...

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Sarfraz

Oct 10, 2015 08:15pm

There is no need to defend these young players who were shamefully targeted by British Judicial system. All the FIFA football bosses with extreme corruption for decades were protected by same Judges till FBI popped-in. These young cricketers should have only given a warning or a fine, not to put them in British jails; they should be given chances to crack the helmets of all British players with super speed bowling and batting. They deserve everything in plate for them if they still qualify; their peak careers been destroyed; People of Pakistan should donate money to support these targeted players.

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M Jamal

Oct 10, 2015 08:56pm

They have been punished for their mistake so they now are clean or reborn and can do normal activities.Thanks to WAPDA boss.

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Kashif kamran

Oct 10, 2015 09:01pm

@Muhammad Qasim well said thanks. this what is to be done. criminals are criminals. British judiciary System appointed Pakistani prosecutor who knew how to tackle such cheats.

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Oct 10, 2015 09:15pm

His logic is distorted but his action is right. The punishment should fit the crime otherwise it becomes persecution. There r many examples in US where a player has committed a crime and is allowed back in the team after the punishment is served. The prime example is Terrell Owens (one of the best NFL player) he was allowed to play after he served his punishment and Kobe Bryant (the best basketball player in the world) who raped a woman and lot of players beating their wife's - examples go on. In only way a player is not allowed back is if he has committed a capital crime. Therefore, lets all shut up and let the game do all the talking.

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Alex

Oct 10, 2015 09:17pm

I'm reading the comments here and realize most of the people want to give these criminals second chance makes me think that most of these people are morally corrupt and have no conscience of the reputation this country

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Wajahat

Oct 10, 2015 09:35pm

The argument for second chance would be valid if the offernder had raised their hand and apologised immediately. Instead these two for years after the incident and convictionkept denying and only after seeing no other option decided to acknowledge their crime....so no second chance for me at least.

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Waqar

Oct 10, 2015 09:40pm

He who has not sinned must cast the first stone.

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Naveed Khan

Oct 10, 2015 10:21pm

Wapda Chairman has the right approach. Every one deserves a 2nd and 3rd chance.

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Guest65

Oct 10, 2015 10:39pm

Its reported in the nationals news ( written,papers, tv news , you name any media out let , it has reported tens and hundered of times ) that WAPDA ( your agency ) is the most corrupt department in the country , Its proverbal saying , Fish starts rotting at the head , take a solemn declaration and tell the nations , you are not corrupt nor have done anything wrong in your entire career in WAPDA , if there were any iota of wrong doings by you ( kickbacks, you scratch my back I scratch yours , chit saga , nepotism I,e favoring friends and relatives alike ) I.E , as per the words of Jesus Crist ( PBUH ) , " let the one throw the 1st stone on this woman , who have never sinned in his life " , So If you are that type of human being in the most Corrupt Agency in the country , Then You probably are right , what you are saying , But If you have not been punished for any single crime ( you avoided or was taken off the hook by hook or crook ) then you are not the one to give lectures .

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Dr faizan

Oct 11, 2015 12:04am

Fix wapda, don't need your opinion on cricket...

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Azmeen

Oct 11, 2015 12:43am

These tainted players must be limited to the domestic cricket as priority should be to improve image of Pak globally.

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Fazli

Oct 11, 2015 02:23am

This is probably first time I am commenting on a article. What wapda chairman has done is a beautiful example to taking a difficult decision and giving a rightful chance to both Asif and Salman. I would love to see them play and perform better than ever with honesty

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aqdas

Oct 11, 2015 06:14am

He cast the first stone who has not sinned himself.Lets not be hypocritical my dear Pakistani.I am sure all have done misdemeanours which are harmful to society as a whole.Kindly get off your high horses

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Khan-Haqiqi

Oct 11, 2015 06:31am

Corrupt chairman inducting corrupt cricketers, same domicile also

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Issa Khan

Oct 11, 2015 08:32am

The most currupt institution's head backing corrupt cricketers.No surprise at all and even no need of comments.

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Mansoor Sajid

Oct 11, 2015 08:35am

WAPDA platform is the right place for both the players from reputation perspective. Bravo- Chairman WAPDA for bring them on board to seal the reputation of WAPDA as well as yours.

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Pakistani

Oct 11, 2015 08:54am

@Alex ; Agree!!!

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Azam Jamil

Oct 11, 2015 09:21am

A corrupt organization makes the obvious decision. No surprises here.

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Azam Jamil

Oct 11, 2015 09:26am

For the information of all. Asif was involved with drugs long before he got apprehended in match fixing. He's a criminal disguised as a fast bowler. Criminals all over the world who serve their punishment are allowed to revive their lives but NOT in the same profession in which they committed a crime. A bank manager who has stolen money can never be hired in a bank ever again even if he has served his punishment.

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Azam Jamil

Oct 11, 2015 09:28am

@Waqar There is a big difference between a sin and a crime. They have committed a crime and that too against their own Country on foreign soil. This is not just a crime. It's betraying an entire nation.

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Azam Jamil

Oct 11, 2015 09:30am

There is a big difference between being caught for shoplifting and betraying an entire nation. Please don't underplay their crime. They are most welcome to earn a living and work in any other field. They should never be allowed on a cricket field again.

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Shahid Khan

Oct 11, 2015 09:44am

Its dissapointing to read negative comments about trio that too after when they've done their time. Every person has the right to be given a fair second chance to earn their livelihood. As said by Zafar Mehmood that, "I am clear-headed that they deserved a second chance. In my opinion anyone who has received punishment for his crime is better than those who never get punishment for their wrongdoings." Very well said, nobody with a rational mind would disagree with that.

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Baaligh

Oct 11, 2015 10:45am

They are such callous criminals that they tarnished national image. In actual fact they have not received any kind of punishment that they deserved for this crime. How can just suspension from cricket be considered as any punishment ? Since ICC could impose ban only it was on us to hand over due punishment. WAPDA head's support is therefore very unsavoury....to say the least.

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S Hashmi

Oct 11, 2015 11:47am

I think WAPDA chief (and ultimately PCB) had no choice but to reinstate them. They didn't want them to spill the beans about all the other players and specifically officials who have been beneficiaries of the booty.

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Guest65

Oct 11, 2015 12:16pm

@Naveed Khan , Yes Mr Naveed Khan , you are right , the most corrupt organization in the country attracted 2 convicted fellows so its the right type of the organization to join for these 2 . The Fish starts the rot at its head , so now the head of this rotten organisation is welcoming these master of their art of cheating,deception , apart from being convicted . They will most probably share the Secrets of their Art ( show innocence while the sun was shining on their guilt and try to win sympathies ) so he can prolong his stay at as the head of a top to bottom rotten up org AND PERHAPS , try to win a game or two or even a tournament by doing all the things they are good at ( deception , cheating , drugs )

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A. Ali

Oct 11, 2015 06:18pm

I am excited to see a bite from Rameez who blew the whistle first, about keeping Amir out of international cricket.... wheres he and his slumber comments.

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mohammed

Oct 11, 2015 06:50pm

Corrupt will attract corrupt. Wapada is a failure due to mismanagement and corruption therefore we don't expect their Chairman to make wise decision.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Oct 11, 2015 08:06pm

Like any other Pakistani I was deeply hurt by what Salman, Asif and Aamir did but they got their punishment. You cannot punish them for the rest of their life. Give them a chance and see if they have learned their lesson. In the meantime keep a close eye on their activities.

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Amir

Oct 12, 2015 04:01am

@Dr Qureshi Then punish Wasim Akram,Waqar younis,Inzimam,Mushtaq Ahmed and others who didn't do spot fixing but match fixing .

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