Asif asks Ramiz to stop bashing banned trio

E-Paper | April 24, 2026

LAHORE: Tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif has advised former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja not to criticise the banned trio (Asif, Salman Butt and Mohammad Aamir) who are hoping to revive their international careers after serving their respective bans from the ICC for their involvement in the infamous spot-fixing case during 2010.

Talking to media here on Friday soon after his meeting with PCB chairman Shaharyar M Khan to give his availability for the rehab programme, Asif pointed out that while Ramiz had shown a soft corner for West Indies player Marlon Sameuls who faced punishment in a similar case of match-fixing, he was not ready to show the same sentiments for the Pakistan players which was surprising.

It may be mentioned here that Ramiz, in a recent article for cricket website Cricinfo, has raised objections to fast-tracking the resumption of Amir’s career under the new ICC rules. The PCB has sent a letter to the ICC to seek permission for Amir to allow him to play domestic cricket as his five-year ban still have almost a year to go before it ends in Sept 2015.

Asif said his meeting with PCB chairman was satisfactory and, hopefully, he would get the permission to complete the rehab programme to continue his career as an international cricketer. Salman had also met the chairman a few days ago to get the permission for rehab enrollment.

However, sources told Dawn that the ICC and the PCB have a soft corner for Amir only because he had acted as approver in the spot-fixing case from the very outset while both Salman and Asif had contested their cases at the World Arbitration Court but failed to get a decision in their favour.

Moreover, sources said both Salman and Asif are required to share with the PCB and the ICC all information that they have regarding match-fixing as part of the rehab programme and only time will tell if they are willing to do so whole-heartedly.

Published in Dawn, November 22th, 2014

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Shahram Khan

Nov 22, 2014 10:10am

Yes thats is a Good Advice. They have paid for their Crimes and learned their lessen now let them in.

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HNK

Nov 22, 2014 10:25am

No instance or allegation of match/spot fixing since the ouster of the banned trio. At the moment Pakistani cricketers seem more determined and committed only to the game of cricket, and they have learned what it takes for wrongdoing. Re-entry of any banned player entails risk of reemergence of fixing/cheating instances. PCB should consult senior cricketers before making any of them part of the national team.

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Imran Virk

Nov 22, 2014 10:34am

Ramiz Raja's point of view on spot fixing is based on principles. The trio let the whole nation down and betrayed their motherland for few thousand pounds. So my advice to Mr. Asif is to concentrate on rehabilitation programmer and try to learn professionalism, patriotism and learn to respect the opinion of the seniors who have always conducted themselves with dignity and upheld the honor of the country.

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Dr Haroon

Nov 22, 2014 10:58am

The audacity of the disgraced.

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HNK

Nov 22, 2014 11:03am

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Zain Ansari

Nov 22, 2014 11:06am

Why have these players never been charged in Pakistan for treason?

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Manish Desai

Nov 22, 2014 11:12am

When you wear your country's uniform while cheating, you are committing treason. Stay away.

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Muhammad Tahir Jamali

Nov 22, 2014 11:13am

When people forget their own old days. It happens. The trio should be forgiven after accepting their mistakes. What Almighty Allah also says.

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ghanshyam

Nov 22, 2014 11:15am

Don't let the virus re-enter.

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Adnan

Nov 22, 2014 11:33am

It is like you should apologise to me if I cut myself while trying to rob you! Is he threatening Ramiz now? They still act like they were the victims while trying to make some $$ on the side while playing for your country. Cricketers are the highest paid in the country compared to other sports. Were they grieved that others were becoming filthy rich through IPL and they were being left behind? If they manage to get back into the national side, what does that show to the other players especially the youngsters who did the right thing?

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zafarov

Nov 22, 2014 11:36am

Asif is blessed with rare talent. If he valued that talent, he could have achieved so much for his country and himself and earned so much respect and reward. What a tragic waste.

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Masoud

Nov 22, 2014 11:46am

Who would care for what Ramiz Raja desires. the so called mentors are afraid of Amir's deadly bowling & its results.

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Pakstani

Nov 22, 2014 12:03pm

well its well known fact that game is run by mafia, please do not tell otherwise hub is india most of the coutrys are involved in asia. If they are the only one then yes never let them back but if you current player like rania and dohani being caught red handed (yes they have been and then reseted for few game to cam down the smoke) , while the media was not allowed to report. yes they were not cuze if you do then, no more press meeting for you ...so i say let them back and look at the ECB quick to punish others and offering emmunity for their own WHY

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Sammy

Nov 22, 2014 12:59pm

He has always been trouble and always will be!

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zawar shahid

Nov 22, 2014 01:12pm

Agree with Asif Statement.Such is the level of hypocrisy and un-acceptance among st our own people !

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Rogers Evans

Nov 22, 2014 01:24pm

Rameez is right when he says that banned players are virus. These banned trio shoud not be part of Pakistan Team at all, because a thief is always a thief. Their presence in the team will put extra unnecessary pressure on team. This trio can be allowed to play only domestic cricket and not international.

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M. Baluch

Nov 22, 2014 01:57pm

I would say that Mr. Ramiz is jumping the gun - it is not as if the trio is being selected for the Test squad. They have completed their punishment, and according to any civilized law, they have the full right to be rehabilitated into the society. Where they end up is their destiny - we have no right to preach and pontificate on how should society treat them, after they have paid their dues. And since when did Mr. Ramiz become the spokesman for the Pakistan cricket team? Judging from the past, they have never needed a voice - it is not too long ago that they refused to play under Younis Khan as captain, and there are several such instances. Mr. Ramiz needs to improve his commentating skills and leave other matters be.

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Dr Mohsin Kazmi

Nov 22, 2014 01:58pm

Asif you bought disgrace to nation this is why there should be a lifetime ban on you and other two culprits. Further that Pakistani squad is performing well without the shameless trio.

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Radhika

Nov 22, 2014 02:23pm

Despite being Indian, I can say that the Pakistani team is in its best form now as compared to the past 7 years. Ramiz Raja is a well meaning guy. He would not want the rythem of the team to get upset. So my serious advice is keep the tainted out and walk along this path of victory. Even if it means letting go of Amir

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NausheenM

Nov 22, 2014 02:25pm

Chori to chori ooper se seena-zori!

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Nayyar

Nov 22, 2014 02:30pm

Ramiz is spot on. We need to set a strong example for both existing and emerging players. The message should be that there is no room whatsoever for any foul play ragardless of direct on indirect involvement. Reward and accountability go hand in hand. There is no bigger reward than taking the field under your flag and standing to the anthem at the start of the game. Similarly there needs to be accountability for what Asif, Salman and Amir committed against the sprit of the game and the will of the country. I intend to watch Pak-India match at the World Cup 15 and in no way would want to be labelled as supporting fixers. Cricket is my passion and Pakistan my identity, I would like to see both clean and growing and away from mischief. i would rather stop watching cricket if I see any of these three again on the field.

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NausheenM

Nov 22, 2014 02:44pm

@Adnan It will be like giving them the chance to do it all over again!

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Eli

Nov 22, 2014 03:21pm

The worst thing than the crime itself was the non-repentant attitude of Asif and Salman.....

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javed

Nov 22, 2014 03:55pm

The trio has not been punished in pakistan,so 1st of all they should be sent to jail for their wrong doings and then banned for life.

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Ample Reverence For Saudis

Nov 22, 2014 03:58pm

Why in this way the truth would be hidden?

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ailly

Nov 22, 2014 04:33pm

am not against Ramiz or his under-achievements. but let me say it was very same person who played with 2 Ws, Inzi, Imran and Javed. during his entire career he shared the same dressing room about which Justice Qayyum's report was focused upon more or less entire Pakistan team was alleged for under-performing. am sure if ICC ACU was established by that time Ramiz would have been the lone survivor out of our team in mid/late nineties when all players were indicted / alleged in corruption, low performance, etc. luckily at that time ICC was in oblivion about such incidents. if Ramiz is vocal about reincarnation of Amir or Asif.... then he should have abandoned cricket in mid 90s when Salim Malik offer bribe to Mark and Shane.............. or your so called great Wasim took money and quit QF match vs Ind in 96 world cup............ now he is seen cracking jokes with him during tv commitment. again, I am not anti Raja but he should not discourage Amir and Asif about returning to international cricket. they have served their punishment. Ramiz's statement will go down in future as a tonic for rest of cricketing nations to try and defy at Amir's return. he should have well thought about such statement before opening up in such sluggish manner.

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Concerned citizen

Nov 22, 2014 04:34pm

Raja has no integrity. He is biased and very opinionated. Everyone is entitled to opinion but when you achieve statuture of raja and have privileges, these come with responsibilities. Raja should hold up to those. The trio are serving the punishment. After it's complete they are clean until a new wrong is done. Otherwise just give trio a permanent ban and take the option of returning out of play.

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Mariam

Nov 22, 2014 05:04pm

I'm sorry. You not only shamed yourself, you shamed Pakistan. He should learn to hear the criticism because he will hear it for the rest of his life. I have absolutely zero sympathy for Asif. Infact this statement makes me feel that he hasn't yet learnt his lesson!

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syed

Nov 22, 2014 05:22pm

Amir should be allowed to play. Asif and Salman should not. Ramiz should look at his own history:- 1. Least talented batsman of his era. Played cricket due to good connections. 2 Test match centuries in 57 matches!! 2. Batting average in 30's both in domestic and test matches. 3. No match wining inning in career 4.Became chief executive through backdoors at the time of a dictator appointed Tauqeer Zia and made sure his son Junaid Zia played cricket despite no talent. 5.Revolted against Javed Miandad and Waseem Akram's captaincy ( and now teaches ethics to players on live TV) 6.Said on live TV to PCB to become "bay-sharam" and accept India's monopoly(Big 3) just to get 95 million instead of 75 million dollars. ( and now tells about Amir that he refused contract with a major county due to less money offered) 7.After 1992 world cup win said Imran ka hospital banega or hamara guar banega 8.On cricinfo gave a talk with an Indian that chuckers with suspected bowling action should be continued to keep the art of off break spin bowling. ( ethics? but Amir who overstepped for one no ball should not be allowed to play) 9.Played with match fixers and gamblers of his time. Recently he said he knew about them Never told the world. Still friends with Waqar Yunus, Mushtaq etc who were convicted of match fixing.Has no problem with Waqar Yunus as head coach despite a Pakistani court ( not an Indian) convicting him of match fixing 10. Does commentary in IPL the global centre of cricket match fixing ( but Amir should not play !!)

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Adnan A

Nov 22, 2014 05:37pm

Who is Muhammad Asif to ask Ramiz Raja for stop bashing? MUhammad Asif needs to remember he cannot consider himself unconvicted member of a cricket team , then record even after serving the sentence will stay with him for life unless he gets pardon from Pakistan President.

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Husain Jan

Nov 22, 2014 05:45pm

@Imran Virk Yes indeed. None of the three should be allowed to play for the country again, at any time in future even after completion of ICC imposed ban period simply because they caused our beloved country to be defamed in the world and to some extent also for their attitude / mentality in terms of which it was money that mattered to them most, much more than the image of the country. They should be banned for life rather than facilitating an early come back. Amir deserves no soft corner or sympathy due to being very young and talented. If he is so very talented he can use his capabilities in some other field but not in cricket.

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hamid

Nov 22, 2014 05:46pm

They disgraced the nation. They should not be allowed back into the team. The game of cricket can thrive withiut corrupt talents.

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Farooq Jawed

Nov 22, 2014 05:54pm

This trio is not sorry that they did something IMMORAL rather that they got caught. With the exception of Amir, both the other players constantly lied until all the appeals were exhausted and now they claim they are rehabilitated, yea right! One must ask this CONVICT what credibility does he have remaining to be giving advise to Raja.........

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Prabodh

Nov 22, 2014 05:58pm

One thing everyone should understand,When Rameez will walk on road or on a cricket stadium,he can walk with his head held high,But it can never be that for these trio. They should feel ashamed instead of giving advice to Rameez

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syed

Nov 22, 2014 06:20pm

@Prabodh or Rameez can walk head down as he is coward not to criticize the corruption in IPL, BCCI etc while doing commentary i India His buddy Waqar Yunus is the Head Coach. Waqar had been convicted of match fixing. Prabodh, yes Rameez shall be found chatting and socializing with these match fixers on cricket grounds with his head high !!

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Nadim

Nov 22, 2014 06:50pm

Asif and the othe 2 should never be allowed to play International cricket. They are cheaters and once a cheater, always a cheater.

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Anser

Nov 22, 2014 06:56pm

I have soft corner for Mr Amir as he was too young at the time when crime was committed and he has been to prison for the same....time for introspection for every one of us.....as we have broken the line at some point in our lives and roam free....follow the law and the constitution...it may be the Quraan...the constitution of Pakistan or here in USA.....

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Calcutta Man

Nov 22, 2014 07:09pm

@Pakstani Who are rania and dohani? are you feeling okay?

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Aisha

Nov 22, 2014 07:16pm

Look who is taking When you dont have humble head on your shoulders after success than you dont deserve any thing

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Tarar

Nov 22, 2014 07:17pm

sorry we are not much interested in your return.

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Sal

Nov 22, 2014 07:24pm

Media should stop covering these three. Majority of the country don't want to see them back in the team. PCB should not even consider bringing them back in the team. If for some reason they are chosen to play again for Pakistan, I hope the rest of the team revolts and say we don't want to play along with cheaters.

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Sal

Nov 22, 2014 07:32pm

@Imran Virk Asif will never change. He will never learn professionalism or patriotism. He was arrested for carrying drug in UAE and PCB/Govt had to intervene for his release. He did not learn his lesson and invoked himself in match fixing. How many chances does he want. Once a cheat and liar, always a cheat and liar. It is shameful that PCB chairman is even talking to these players.

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hotandsour

Nov 22, 2014 07:38pm

If i kill a person, do i deserve a second chance..????? No ......In saudi arabia they behead murderers in days....Only in pakistan people deserve second chance.......Do you honestly think that if the banned trio was in Pakistan, will they ever serve time?? I doubt it.......In pakistan they will be free like nothing is wrong......It was Uk, who jailed them....Even then they begged them to relax the punishment...which will never happen in foreign county; but will happen in pakistan......

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Salma

Nov 22, 2014 07:39pm

@syed , these things have nothing to do with the topic. Should he not speak his mind on this matter only because his numbers were not so good? I would rather argue that he played in a team where most of the players were fixing every second match and he did not raise his voice and accepted that to happen. This makes him guilty too.

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Imran Malik

Nov 22, 2014 07:53pm

I agree with Rameez. The three Asif, Amir and But can return to cricket after they have completely shared the details of their crime with the PCB. However I seriously disagree with PCB. National honor and dignity demands that these tainted players should not wear the National color again. The current Pakistan team is doing well without them. It will be unfair to have them around. In my opinion having Moeen, Waqar and Mushtaq near the team is a big mistake as well. All three have a questionable past and were named in the Quyaum Report. Our institutions need to set an example. We should not tolerate corruption and hid behind conspiracies.

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Jasim Khan

Nov 22, 2014 07:53pm

This man is a sleaze and a slime ball. If he had not done what he did he would still qualify for an FIR merely due to his looks.

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Muhammad yasin

Nov 22, 2014 08:21pm

The nation,already bruised,should not allow the stigma to be commented again world wide.

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abid

Nov 22, 2014 09:23pm

If those players ban for life, what about politicians who are getting elected and then carried on corruption for ever without any punishment!

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J.Baig

Nov 22, 2014 09:32pm

I just can't believe this guy. If there is one guy who should be discarded like a tissue one uses to blow their nose is Mohammad Asif. This guy has had so many controversies in the world cricket. Steroids, got caught with drugs, and then fixing. Clearly he has no respect for the country or his teammates. He is simply not a good human being and he doesn't seem to have intelligence to make decent life choices. Yes he was talented but had his shortcomings as a bowler. He didn't have the pace to bowl on flat tracks and couldn't bowl with the old ball. Instead of working on his skills, he considered himself a star. In Pakistan no bowler should think of themselves as irreplaceable. Pakistan found a class act like Junaid Khan, Umar Gul has been a worker horse his entire career, controversy free! Majority of Asif's success was in helpul conditions, you give green tops to Rahat Ali, Imran Khan and Ehsan Adil; and they will run riot as well.

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Mubashir

Nov 22, 2014 10:06pm

we should stand by rules.Those players should never be given a chance to play for Pakistan come what may.Pakistan does not need people who disgraced Pakistan.Pakistan cricket board should take the request back from ICC with regards to culprits.

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syed

Nov 23, 2014 01:26am

@Salma Yes Rameez did not have good scores but the points I made show his double standard practiced time and again. Did he do anything against match fixing when he was Chief Executive of PCB under Tauqir Zia ? He is pretending to be Mr Clean. Have you heard his biased commentary against certain players from certain city while praising right and left match fixers like Shoaib Malik and Akmal brothers? He is already planting seeds of animosity among players by saying " somebody should ask Pakistan players if they want Amir back". He is worried about other players who would not be in team if Amir returns..Players who have worked hard and honestly made a mark for the team". Really? Which fast bowler has made a mark other then Irfan. Rahat Ali? Sohail Tanveer? Bhatti? Rameez need to stick to his commentary and if he is worried he should also comment on thing on the other side of border. If he dares.

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Sami

Nov 23, 2014 03:21am

Please keep these corrupt cricketers out of Pakistan cricket forever. Not only they were involved in spot fixing but they kept on lying for a long time until they had nowhere else to go. Bringing these guys back in cricket will not do anything good for Pakistan cricket.

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Khalil

Nov 23, 2014 05:53am

No sympathy for Asif and Salman; they should have known better. CHEATS!!!!! keep them away from PAK cricket

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jjsyed

Nov 24, 2014 12:10am

Asif@ you are cheater and looser , disgrace to pakistan...leave us alone!

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optimist

Nov 24, 2014 03:14am

Did Asif ask Rameez before accepting money from the bookie. Even the best player cannot make the amount of money players make to fix a match. If Asif or anyone is allowed to play again for Pakistan it would be sending wrong signals to the honest players.

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Abdul Hakim

Nov 24, 2014 07:19am

Rehabilitation and finding ways to set a young man Mohammad Amir back on course in his life should be the right course to adopt.This youngman was quick to admit and has paid full price for his mistake.Ramiz Raja unfortunately chose to double talk in his article showing mercy and compassion and damning condemning the poor guy in the same breath

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asghar

Nov 24, 2014 07:44am

Ramiz has correctly pointed out the chances of re-infecting the team if these black sheeps return. Someone who had sold the national honour for a few ponds can do it again. Meanwhile, we do have discovered other good players. Therefore, these shameless culprits may never be allowed again into the team.

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