Casino controversy: Shahryar says Moin sorry, chapter closed

E-Paper | June 11, 2026

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shahryar Khan declared "chapter closed" in the Moin Khan 'casino controversy' after a formal apology from the chief selector on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Shahryar said the PCB investigation found nothing contrary to Moin's statement that he had visited the casino in Christchurch, New Zealand, to have dinner with friends.

Read: Moin Khan ordered back from Australia

"He realises that it was inappropriate to have visited a casino ahead of Pakistan's match against the West Indies. But he reiterated that he only had dinner over there and nothing else. He also admitted that, perhaps, a casino was not the right place to have dinner and has apologised. This chapter is now closed," Shahryar said.

The 43-year-old former wicketkeeper, whose presence with Pakistan's World Cup squad was subject to severe criticism in the local media, will not be travelling back to Australia, Shahryar said.

Read: I just went to the casino to have dinner, says Moin Khan

Moin is also expected to keep his position as the chief selector despite calls for his removal after Pakistan's poor show at the World Cup so far.

Pakistan went down to India by 76-runs in their opening game before suffering a 150-run humiliation at the hands of the West Indies.

Misbah-ul-Haq's side then beat Zimbabwe in a tense finish on Sunday. Pakistan will take on UAE on March 4.

Read: Moin Khan's meeting with PCB chief delayed over 'personal reasons'

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Rehan

Mar 03, 2015 02:00pm

it was an unfair media circus. Our media has a lot to learn

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Haris Riaz

Mar 03, 2015 02:02pm

It was expected, because Pcb cant dare to take any action against any office bearer.

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Kaleem

Mar 03, 2015 02:04pm

Is there any casino in Lahore? I am planning a dinner with friends tonight.

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M.S

Mar 03, 2015 02:07pm

Hail the "Parchi" & "You Rub My Back & I will Rub Yours" & "Here No One Is Accountable" culture continues to flourish. What does PCB Chairman have to say to the Eye Witness account & of the rubbish showing of the Team & Moin's useless travel to Australia in the first place. But wait, that would be taking responsibility & resigning by the civilized countries, we live in Pakistan & here No One is Accountable!!

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Ramesh Krishnan

Mar 03, 2015 02:09pm

I can't understand...What's wrong..? he visited a casino with his money on an off day...Why should anyone be concerned about this..? How can it affect the performance of the Pakistan team..?

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Nadeem

Mar 03, 2015 02:11pm

I have heard a certain Mr Puncture was with Moeen in the casino.if it is right then no need to panic Moeen.

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nadeem qazi

Mar 03, 2015 02:19pm

Ek Thali kay saray chatay buttay

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Annon

Mar 03, 2015 02:21pm

What a sorry state of affairs! White wash experts in PCB and for that mattter the whole government to issu clearance for any wrong-doing at the cost of tax payers! Shame!

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M. Anwar Qureshi

Mar 03, 2015 02:21pm

@Haris Riaz He must have been removed from his position and save our $.

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Harmony

Mar 03, 2015 02:26pm

Quite right too. An issue has been made out of non-issue.

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tariq

Mar 03, 2015 02:27pm

Choosing casino to have dinner as a choice! Maybe NZ doesn't have restaurant !

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Sim

Mar 03, 2015 02:28pm

So why to spend money on his return if he was supposed to leave for Australia again ?

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saifullah mahsud

Mar 03, 2015 02:29pm

It was a non issue to start with. Good that sanity has prevailed.

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abid

Mar 03, 2015 02:32pm

very poor... if sorry was enough why he was called back..

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anees from zaida

Mar 03, 2015 02:33pm

The most expensive 'SORRY' in history. Cost millions.. Great job PCB...

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ali

Mar 03, 2015 02:34pm

India can bring back their ex corrupt BCCI chief so why cannt we keep Moin Khan. Sirinavasan barred from BCCI cheif election but still ICC president. The only difference is India is winning games and pakistan isnt. Just start winning games and then you can do whatever you want

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Rogers Evans

Mar 03, 2015 02:38pm

Shahryar Khan has no gutts to fire Moin because of Sethi. This decision will encourage other team members to gamble and later of say "SORRY". This timid decision will have far-reaching negative consequenses for which PCB Chairman will regret.

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ali

Mar 03, 2015 02:40pm

Crime pays in Pakistan! I think I should burn all my degrees and become a criminal! Who knows, I may go on to make a lot of dosh in no time and live a comfortable and 'respectable' life.

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Adnan Khan

Mar 03, 2015 02:41pm

As Pubs are not only for drinking, casinos are not confined to gambling. All casinos have restaurants and people go there to eat. I for myself have been in casinos for few dinners. People are needed to be educated!

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Zain

Mar 03, 2015 02:44pm

The PCB should apologised to Moin Khan not the other way around.

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shezad

Mar 03, 2015 03:03pm

His wife was pictured with loads of chips. Yes, they went to have dinner. Chips Kadhai, Chips Tikka, Chips Boti.

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Ali

Mar 03, 2015 03:06pm

Yes, he went to the casino to spend his two year salary paid to him in advance!!! So what's your problem? I will like to know why was he paid two YEARS salary in advance? Are we in danger of running out of suitably unqualified selectors in soon? And yeah! Who else is getting years worth of salary in advance? Shahyar? Sethi?

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Ali

Mar 03, 2015 03:08pm

Seriously, why you ask him to fly back and let him enjoy steaks at casinos

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Muhammed ali

Mar 03, 2015 03:09pm

What was on the halal menu Moin ji?

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McFadden

Mar 03, 2015 03:16pm

Issue of casino is two fold 1) Whose money was being spent 2) Did Moin involve in any anti-islam activity ? (Non halal food ?? Gambling ?? Liquor ??)

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Parvez

Mar 03, 2015 03:16pm

...and accountability Pakistani style.....wins.

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Muhammad

Mar 03, 2015 03:29pm

@Kaleem can I join you?

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ghaffar

Mar 03, 2015 03:33pm

Thats not fair. This is the reason why we can not do accountability in Pakistan. People do wrong things and escape easily,,,, Expected decision,,, how criminals can stop crimes

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Ahmed saeed

Mar 03, 2015 03:40pm

Casino Royal

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Effy

Mar 03, 2015 03:42pm

hahaha....this is PCB for you...

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Cricket lover

Mar 03, 2015 03:43pm

These jokers are all in one basket

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saad s

Mar 03, 2015 03:43pm

whats cooking???

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J.Khan

Mar 03, 2015 03:47pm

A government official, in a muslim get up, dinning in a casino at the expense of poor tax payer money is not right and not excusable and not forgivable. If he was doing that from his pocket on a free day, then it is his right and PCB has nothing to do with it. But if he was using public money and time, then it is disgusting and punishable.

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Amanullah Khan

Mar 03, 2015 03:50pm

@Adnan Khan So you wish to be a role model for other people, Mr educated? You may go to a casino, a night clubs or wherever you wish and may gamble there or do anything you wish as long as you are doing it at your own expense and on your own account. Here we are talking about someone who is there at PCB expense and as PCB official. Team member are being fined for coming late to hotel. Why no action against tour management? Remember that there is a very close relation between gambling at Casinos and gambling on cricket matches. Have you heard anything about match fixing and bookies?

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Khalid

Mar 03, 2015 03:52pm

I nominate the Chairman of PCB for the highest award HILAL E JURAT for showing great JURAT to face the shameful performance of the Chief Selector and Pakistani team. SHAME SHAME BUT NO SHAME

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Just saying

Mar 03, 2015 03:52pm

People who are condemning Moin for visiting casino are the same people backing Mohammad Amir to be reinstated. Double standards by people because I believe Moin is from a different background. Moin also apologized to the nation what else do you guys need from him?

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Confused Engineer

Mar 03, 2015 03:56pm

What a ridiculous lot we are. PCB needs qualified business professionals to lead it. The elderly lot of the past century can kindly step down and enjoy retired lives in their mansions. Let the young take 0ver and guide the country.

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Dipak Singh

Mar 03, 2015 03:58pm

I can see lot of comments here for: "Is there halal food??" My Question for those if any person having food out of Pakistan or non Islam country may not be halal but it is self faith that I should have the halal or not Halal food. for that reason you can't punished to anybody, if that person had non Halal food. it is depends on self faith.

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Raza

Mar 03, 2015 03:59pm

@Ramesh Krishnan My friend, he was not suppose to have an off day or a on day for that matter cause he was not suppose to travel with the team. He is the chief selector of the squad and can not even sit in the dressing room.

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Zafar Ahmed

Mar 03, 2015 04:00pm

Clean chit handed to Moin by PCB chairman ! What a Joke !

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Asif Kashmiris

Mar 03, 2015 04:02pm

why was him going to a casino a problem for the rest of us. He can do whatever he wants in his free time - leave him alone for heavens sake.

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Zafar Ahmed

Mar 03, 2015 04:05pm

Clean chit handed to Moin by PCB chairman ........ PCB thinks that people of Pakistan are goofs. Only one place in Christchurch, New Zealand, to have dinner with friends.

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Mrs.khalil

Mar 03, 2015 04:09pm

May be PCB chairman, also Got his chunk of share from casino 's winning amount.

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AJ - UK

Mar 03, 2015 04:12pm

It was expected as Moin is partner with Najam Sethi. He selected the team as per wished and per planned by Najam Sethi and his masters in the neighbouring country. Shaharyar's statement was a joke when he said it is normal that in Australia and NZ there are restaurants with casinoes in them. Totally misleading because there are NO casinoes in the restaurants any where in the world. Actually in the reverse order, most casinoes have dinning facilities in them. And the food offered in these casionoes is nothing more than what you get in cafés. Actually, it would be totally unusual for a casino to have a guest who comes in just to have food. Never happens as people will then go to restaurants who offer food which is much better and much cheaper in prices. Another thing to notice, Casinoes do not offer halal food. Soon pictures will come out where Moin's wife will be seen gambling, just wait for it. Moin is corrupt and must be fired even on the basis of his team selection.

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Naseem

Mar 03, 2015 04:14pm

@Ramesh Krishnan wait when one your senior cricket official does the same, and the team did not perform as it should.

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Shahid

Mar 03, 2015 04:19pm

He is in Sethi's gang, who can touch him? He went to the casino to have some lollypops from a couple of indian bookies. Wait and watch videos and photoes soon.

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iffti

Mar 03, 2015 04:29pm

@ali may be you will become a president one day, if you are good at it.

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ishrat salim

Mar 03, 2015 04:41pm

@Ramesh Krishnan A senior player of Mr Moin`s stature is supposed to be a role model for other players especially the juniors. So, by your logic the breaking of night curfew by Afridi & some juniors accompanying him was OK ? Name 1 team player from India or other country breaking rules & team discipline during such matches. They should be more hooked to gambling, drinking etc; but do they do that during serious tours ? It was bad timing & after all a selector has no place to trvel with the players any way. you are not aware of the politics in our country....is your country Indian cricket board under PM ? we do ! see the difference.

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Umer Hamid Enam

Mar 03, 2015 04:51pm

Pakistan out of WC Najam Sethi says sorry chapter closed, Pakistan labled as failed state Nawaz says sorry chapter closed, just like one bombing another country by nukes stating it was a mistake and saying sorry chapter closed.

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Awais Ali

Mar 03, 2015 04:52pm

Its Kangaroo board with Nawaz Sharif is pattern in chief.

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Intellectual

Mar 03, 2015 05:14pm

This is a clear cover-up and that too of lamest order. If Moin went for dinner then why he was not on same floor with his wife? Secondly, what in world made him to rush for his dinner at a Casino, instead of an eatery and that too at 3:30 in the morning ??? If he was actually at the the most unlikely place for his "dinner", then there must be some record of his payment for dinner in the official payment in the computerized record of the casino, if he did not keep the payment receipt for reimbursement.

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KHAN

Mar 03, 2015 05:18pm

Live and let Live !!!!!

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shahid

Mar 03, 2015 05:34pm

good decision by Shaheryar , Moin is not required there in the first place. he is sorry fine now sit and stay home.

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hyat

Mar 03, 2015 06:00pm

hey they gonna make billions of rupees for rest of their life.

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Haris Riaz

Mar 03, 2015 06:06pm

Lets assume that Moin had his dinner in casino, then saying simple sorry , he should resign immediately to prove his innocence.

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Umer Ali

Mar 03, 2015 06:20pm

Aren't Najjam sethi and Sheryar Khan any less culprit than our players not performing out there ? Whether you like IK or not. BUT he has always suggested that Accountability should start from the TOP.

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Abdul Malik

Mar 03, 2015 06:42pm

Why chapter is closed. Moin must be fired and the chairman PCB should have the guts to resign as well.Its not just Moin. The entire team is marred by problems.

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Noor Hussain

Mar 03, 2015 06:44pm

PCB should be dissolved. Funds being misused by this house should be saved for the welfare of the poor.Cricket as a game should be handed over to private commercial clubs.Govt should provide facilities like grounds and stadium to these clubs on rental.

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SYED ZAFAR KAZMI

Mar 03, 2015 06:45pm

" Moin khan's visit not an issue after apology". Issue is why Moin Khan had to apologize and why he did? If PCB laws and rules have no express or even implied prohibition to Casino visit, Moin Khan's apology is a disgrace to the sport of cricket and nation. It was his personal matter and should have been treated as such.

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Syed

Mar 03, 2015 06:57pm

Chapter closed ...thanks to middleman.lol

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qzeb

Mar 03, 2015 07:12pm

It's bad luck so far all PCB chairman are purchee by PM , best fit would be some one (Majjid Khan) who knows cricket and players culture or simply been there and done that.

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syed wasim haider

Mar 03, 2015 07:26pm

May be Mr. Shaharyar chapter will be closed if the team do not give better performance.... get ready for dharnas.

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aceleaf

Mar 03, 2015 07:32pm

Have a dinner at casino and close the chapter. What’s the title of your book?

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Pragmatist

Mar 03, 2015 07:43pm

Casino is a best place to have dinner as the food is good and is often at a reasonable cost to attract customers. Pakistanis should wake up to the new realities and stop fusing about petty things.

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Junaid

Mar 03, 2015 07:43pm

We all know what made this decision not to fire him. Shehreyar Khan is a good person. He is just merely a puppet at hands of Najam Sethi. If he does not want to drag his name through mud, then he should quit the post.

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naheem

Mar 03, 2015 07:44pm

He not a kid who had just wandered he's a grown up sitting on very big post in the pcb he should be sacked and given a ban for 5 years

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dawn

Mar 03, 2015 08:12pm

They are all of the same flock.

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Syed Atif Jafri

Mar 03, 2015 08:32pm

Sorry state of affairs!

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hnmirza

Mar 03, 2015 08:34pm

@McFadden You've got to be kidding! ! Oh I wish the nation had been properly educated. None of these frivolous issues would have wasted anyone's time.

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Ihsan

Mar 03, 2015 08:46pm

Goodness me. you just say sorry and you are clean out of any crime, great. this is my Pakistan.

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Arshad A Patel, W.Chester,Oh, USA

Mar 03, 2015 09:13pm

Moin Khan eating food in Casino is a big issue for the media and people caught selling DOG MEAT in Karachi - just a small news. What a contrast, someone has take action.

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Aftab Alam Khan

Mar 03, 2015 09:20pm

If there was nothing wrong why Mr Moin changed his statements.This was not as simple as Chairman has taken and shared with media.

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Imran A.

Mar 03, 2015 09:34pm

I hope Moin learnt his lesson.

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Javed USA

Mar 03, 2015 09:37pm

It is amazing that how much respect we have for our ex-cricketers.

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sid

Mar 03, 2015 10:03pm

@Ramesh Krishnan let me clarify for you. Given all that has happened in Pakistan cricket over the last few years with spot-fixing, this was the last place a Pakistani official/player should be visiting while on official duty (official duty because he was paid by the PCB to travel with the team - which is unusual in itself).

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dawn

Mar 03, 2015 10:48pm

There we go. The boss has spoken and cleared all the ill-doings of the culprit. Shame. Punishment should have been severe.

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Muhammad

Mar 03, 2015 10:48pm

I think he is for sure that team is coming back soon.

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NaduLal

Mar 03, 2015 11:01pm

wow! You have to call him back to hear the apology in person? What a joke?! First of all it wasnt such a big deal in the first place.

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saeedmalik

Mar 03, 2015 11:28pm

Leave Moin Khan alone. This is his private business. It is fun to go to casino:)

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dawn

Mar 03, 2015 11:48pm

Verdit by 'THE JUDGE'; 'Moin is innocent'! Shame on this PCB chief and the troupe of clowns.

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ash-rai

Mar 04, 2015 12:54am

@MMcFadden 110% true

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Vishal

Mar 04, 2015 01:20am

News headline was confusing doesn't imply whether he was punished or not.

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ali

Mar 04, 2015 02:29am

He was sorry while still with the WC team, so why did he have to make this trip Sheryar could have excused him while he was still there.This show weakness on part of Sheryar as an administrator.

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I. Khan (CAN)

Mar 04, 2015 02:48am

Most of the people critical of Moin Khan are jealous of him. Pakistani cricket team came to Toronto in 1983 to play with Indian team and I met most of the players who had fun by going to casino and dance clubs, I don't want to mention the names or go on details but all the players were out at night and none of them went to a mosque. Nothing wrong with Moin Khan going to casino in his own time and spends his money. Peopl criticizing Moin Khan should demand resignation Sharif brothers and all their ministers ,Generals and other Politicians who all go to casino's when they are in Dubai, London, Paris or New York , they even go to strip joints. Zardari and Bilawal are also frequent visitors of some famous casino's in London.

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Junaid

Mar 04, 2015 03:00am

@Rehan: Please don't call it an unfair media trial. First of all it was not unfair, because media reported the truth, which Moin admitted himself according to the article. Secondly, it was a trial because we are all paranoid (rightly so) about the fairness of our systems.

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Junaid

Mar 04, 2015 03:05am

@ali : Why do you have to follow other people to prove your innocence. Wrong is wrong no matter who and where takes place. Why do you think India is an example we should follow. India happens to have very high corruption in almost every department. Learn to use your own mind and make your own decisions.

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Scorpion

Mar 04, 2015 03:44am

I don't understand, he went to casino why is it an issue. Going to casino is not illegal in that particular country. Now question is even if he did go to casino not only to have dinner but to gamble again, why is it an issue? cause again it's not illegal in that country. If you discuss religious point of view let it be between him and The Almighty, who are we to judge. I can't believe it's even in the news.

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Riaz

Mar 04, 2015 03:51am

@Haris Riaz All fish of the same pond.

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Mar 04, 2015 04:00am

Chapter closed because Pak won her first match in the WC2015. Had it lost, the chapter would remain on. Come on PCB, sack guys who brings disgrace to the Pakistan!

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Masoud

Mar 04, 2015 04:02am

Good precedence, do what you like & then say sorry & they wash you clean. More casino visits in the offing. PCB has set a bad example, atlease some fine should have been imposed

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fida sayani USA

Mar 04, 2015 04:42am

Moin said sorry. Chapter closed. But Moin should never ever be part of PCB in present or future. Such irresponsible individuals should be kept away from Pakistan Cricket Board.

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KamranP

Mar 04, 2015 04:43am

@McFadden "Issue of casino is two fold 1) Whose money was being spent 2) Did Moin involve in any anti-islam activity ? (Non halal food ?? Gambling ?? Liquor ??)" Your first point "Whose money was being spent" makes sense. Your second point; Sorry, but I couldn't stop laughing where you said: "Did Moin involve in any anti-islam activity ? (Non halal food ?? Gambling ?? Liquor ??)"

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ALI

Mar 04, 2015 04:45am

Moin is doing great job as a middleman. U r fully protected.

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fida sayani USA

Mar 04, 2015 04:49am

@ali You better update yourself. The Indian court has kicked Sirinavasan out of Indian Cricket Board.

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thinker

Mar 04, 2015 05:29am

It took pcb to fly the man back home to accept his apology and make a mockery of themselves. Why can't it be done over phone out visa Skype? Didn't we have enough share of such controversies. .. give the already troubled a break.

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Kala Ingrez

Mar 04, 2015 07:10am

@fida sayani USA - Please leave the poor guy alone. just because of his name you all have assumed that he and wife are Muslims. Thee are other non-Muslims in Pakistan with names similar to Muslim names. The very least, Moin Khan is a failed cricketer with low IQ with a wife of even lower IQ because she did not advice him not to go to the Casino? By the way, does anyone took any photos of Moin and family visiting the Casino Dance floors or the strip bar?

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Kala Ingrez

Mar 04, 2015 07:13am

@fida sayani USA - Please leave the poor guy alone. Just because of his name you all have assumed that he and wife are Muslims. Thee are other non-Muslims in Pakistan with names similar to Muslim names. The very least, Moin Khan is a failed cricketer with low IQ with a wife of even lower IQ because she did not advice him not to go to the Casino? By the way, does anyone took any photos of Moin and family visiting the Casino Dance floors or the strip bar?

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Lyra

Mar 04, 2015 08:26am

Reading between lines: "Moon said sorry. (I got my share.) Chapter closed!!"

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