Sohail ban lifted - news and reactions from Dawn (16 May 1997)

15 May 1997

Articles and Reactions on the lifting of Aaamir Sohail's ban by the PCB

From Dawn

Ban suspended, Sohail fined Rs 50,000

By Ilyas Beg

LAHORE, May 14: Ban of two years slapped on Aamir Sohail has been suspended but he has been fined Rs 50,000 for violating the Code of Conduct.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Council, which met on Wednesday afternoon with Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bokhari in the chair, considered the "unconditional apology" of Aamir Sohail and decided to suspend the ban. However, he (Aamir Sohail) has been asked to re-appear before the Disciplinary Committee which will give him another opportunity to prove his allegations of "betting" and "match fixation etc. against certain teammates".

The Council meeting was attended by ten members.The only absentees were the University Grants Commission and Servis representatives. A Press release, signed by the PCB Secretary Waqar Ahmad and handed over to the mediamen at the Qadhafi Stadium before chief executive Majid Khan and chairman Syed Zulkfiqar Ali Bokhari answered questions, says: "The Council has carefully considered the appeal proferred by Aamir Sohail. In view of the unconditional apology tendered by him the Council thought it proper to reconsider his case...... Aamir Sohail was punished on two counts i.e. going to the Press directly instead of submitting his grievances for consideration before the Board, thereby violating the Code of Conduct. Secondly he had made certain allegations/accusations regarding betting and match-fixing etc. on account whereof he was asked to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the Board. Unfortunately Aamir Sohail though appeared before the Disciplinary Committee yet has failed to substantiate the allegations by submitting or providing any kind of proof in support thereof..... In the circumstances the Disciplinary Committee per force made recommendations that due to his failure in substantiating the allegations he may be punished. Accordingly on both counts he was banned for two years... So far as the first allegation regarding violation of the Code of Conduct is concerned the Council is of the unanimous view that his case which is otherwise proved on the face of it may be treated at par with those who had been accused of such misdemeanour. Aamir Sohail is as such fined to the tune of Rs 50,000... "

Regarding the second issue namely non-substantiating the allegations levelled by him against certain players and others regarding betting and match-fixing etc.the Council decided that keeping in view the unconditional apology tendered by him Aamir Sohail may be given another chance to appear before the Disciplinary Committee and substantiate the allegations levelled by him or explain his position whatsoever the case may be. The Disciplinary Committee is directed to submit its report after carrying out a thorough probe in the matter, whereafter the Council would consider Aamir Sohail's case. Till such time the ban already imposed on Aamir Sohail is suspended."

While replying to a question shortly after the Council meeting on Wednesday evening, Chief Executive Majid Khan said that the decision would be forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee, which will issue a fresh notice to Aamir Sohail to appear before it to "give documentary evidence to substantiate his allegations".

"Till the findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee are received by the PCB and its Council takes any new steps, Aamir Sohail is free to play in any grade of cricket within the country and abroad. If the national selection committee recommends his name, the Board can even send Aamir Sohail to India to re-inforce the Pakistan cricket team taking part in the Independence Cup", clarified Majid Khan.

The Chief Executive told mediamen that the Council praised the Pakistan cricket team for "giving away its best" in extremely provocative circumstances. Rather than "retaliating in response to allegations", the players kept their cool and concentrated on their game.

Majid Khan said that cricket manager Mushtaq Muhammad had informed the Board about his intention to "quit the job" after the current tour and the PCB had also conveyed to him about its decision regarding his intentions.

While replying to a question, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bokhari said that the whole exercise undertaken was to strengthen the institutions. He said that he or the other officials of the PCB had nothing "personal" against Aamir Sohail. Persons would come and go. The decisions are being taken to maintain the authority of the Board. No one was above those institutions. He said that he had told the Prime Minister's Adviser Syed Mushahid Hussain also that he or Majid Khan could not make any decision on our own. Only the PCB Council was authorised to take any decision regarding Aamir Sohail's case. So, he requisitioned the emergent Council meeting to consider Aamir Sohail's "unconditional apology".

"My meeting with the Patron of the PCB, President Farooq Ahmad Leghari had nothing to do with Aamir Sohail's case. I had sought time for a meeting with him since I had last met him last year. Due to his (President's) pre-occupation, he could not grant me the interview. For that he had given the date of May 14 and I delayed the Council meeting till 4 pm so that I could meet him in the morning. The President has wished that in view of great popularity of the game, infra-structure should be built at the divisional level in the country.

The President has expressed happiness over the unity among the team-members, who are now playing as a well-knit unit. He did not give me any instructions regarding Aamir Sohail or any other matter. Rather, I briefed him on all issues pertaining to cricket", explained Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bokhari.

The PCB chairman said that like other cricket boards, the PCB would also like to enter into contract with the top Pakistanis playing in the counties. Majid Khan interjected: "All counties have declared that they will not be engaging overseas players after the 1998 season".

Most Councillors spoke against Aamir Sohail

By Samiul Hasan

KARACHI, May 14: The suspension of the two-year ban on Aamir Sohail was passed by a 8-2 majority by the Executive Council of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) at Qadhafi Stadium on Wednesday, it was learnt through reliable sources.

Only the Chairman of the PCB, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah Bokhari, and President of the LCCA, Aamir Hayat Rokhari, voted in favour of total scrapping of the ban and settling the issue once and for ever. The sources said the one-point agenda meeting lasted for well over 180 minutes chiefly because every Council member was allowed to vent his viewpoint. "Need not mention that all were against the lifting of the ban specially Asad Aziz (Railways), Mian Munir (LDCA) and Justice Chaudhry Ijaz Yousuf (Quetta) who were more vocal and aggressive against Aamir Sohail and the interference of the government in PCB affairs." Asked about the speech made by Majid Khan, Chief Executive of the PCB, sources said he didn't speak much but informed the Council that Aamir Sohail was the only cricketer in the history to have been warned by the Match Referee thrice. Majid also recalled the incident which led to the 30-day suspension of Aamir Sohail during the One-day Championship semi-final, sources said.

Disclosing the briefing of Chairman Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bokhari, sources said the PCB boss said he had an appointment with President Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari on May 12 which was rescheduled for May 14. "Bokhari told the Council that Aamir Sohail's issue was not discussed by President Leghari (who is also the Patron of the PCB). Instead Bokhari said President Leghari discussed horses and hunting and in the later stages inquired about the performance of the Pakistan cricket team." Asked what was the stand of the PCB Chairman, the sources revealed that he was keen to lift the ban "but since he couldn't make an arbitrary decision, he requested the Councillors to settle this controversy in an amiable way ."

Sources further said Zulfiqar Bokhari informed the Council about his meeting with Mr Mushahid Husain, Adviser to Prime Minister on Sports. "He told the Council that the government wants that the decision should be reversed and Aamir Sohail be allowed to resume his activities and professionalism as a cricketer."

Replying to a question about Aamir Rokhari's contention, sources said the LCCA President told the Council that it was wasting its time "by beating about the bush". Rokhari said since the decision has to be reversed in accordance with the instructions of the government, it was useless to waste time by digging old stories.

Sources revealed that a cash fine of Rs 50,000 was imposed on Aamir Sohail on the recommendation of Aamir Rokhari after the Council had unanimously decided not to leave the cricketer without any penalty. "Rokhari told the Council that if a cash fine has to be imposed, it should be equivalent to that of the fine clamped on Rashid Latif and Basit Ali when they broke the Code of Conduct in early 1995." The significant step taken in the Council meeting was the decision to carry out thorough and in-depth investigations which were not done before. In this connection, the players and the accuser, Aamir Sohail, may confront each other in front of the Disciplinary Committee which will later submit a detailed report to the Council for a final decision. If the inquiry regarding the betting and match-fixing allegations is conducted, Rashid Latif and Basit Ali may also come in the picture as they too had levelled similar allegations during Pakistan cricket team's tour of Africa in 1994-95.

Similarly, the report of Javed Burki, the then Chairman of the ad hoc Committee and now Adviser to President on cricket affairs, will also come up for discussion and may be considered as a valuable document. Burki, according to March 27, 1995 minutes, briefed the newly appointed PCB officials that Salim Malik had connections with a bookie (Chaudhry Khalid Gitty) of Lahore while Ijaz Ahmad had connections with another bookie (Zafarul Haq). In that briefing, Javed Burki also told the PCB officials that the last one-day of the 1994 tour of New Zealand was also a fixed one which was apparent after Wasim Akram didn't bowl in the match. Javed Burki had also recommended the PCB officials that Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmad should not be considered for selection in future after the incidents proved their involvement in fixing the matches.

Sohail expresses mixed feelings

KARACHI, May 14: Aamir Sohail expressed mixed feelings after the PCB Executive Council suspended a two-year ban on him in a meeting on Wednesday.

"It has come to me as a surprise that I again have to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. I think it was not the understanding according to the compromise formula submitted by the government and agreed to by the PCB Chairman," Aamir Sohail said late Wednesday evening from Lahore. Aamir Sohail said according to the PCB he was punished on two accounts. "But nobody is talking about the 30-day ban which was clamped on me on March 14." The stylish and aggressive opener refused to discuss the decision of the PCB further saying that he would meet the government officials first before making any further comments.

Aamir Sohail was, however, thankful to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Punjab and the Sports Minister for taking personal interest in the issue. "Here I don't want to forget to thank the followers of the game who gave me the support and will stand by my stance. It was because of their prayer and concern that such a historic decision took place." About his comeback prospects, Aamir said he always took pride in playing for the country. "I still have the same hunger and desire to perform the best for the team and keep the flag of the country sky-high. But it depends on the selectors whether they want to pick me for the coming assignments or not."

Hanif, Hasib chide PCB over conditional action

By Dawn Reporter

KARACHI, May 14: Hanif Mohammad has expressed his deep concern over the conditional decision of the PCB Council on the ban earlier slapped by it on Aamir Sohail, adding that he was surprised that so many people sitting in the Council couldn't take a straight forward decision.

"It clearly shows that the people sitting in that meeting were incapable of taking any decision in the interest of cricket. I don't understand the meaning of suspension of the two-year ban. I have to say that I am not pleased with the decision at all." The former captain said either Aamir Sohail should have been cleared off all charges or the ban should not have been lifted at all. "It is one of the petty politics of the cricket administrators just to keep a star performer under pressure. How can Aamir Sohail deliver the goods knowing very well that the axe is still hanging on him and he has not been exonerated of the charges. It is another trick to pressurise the player and bring an end to the career of a cricketer who still has a lot to do for the country." Hanif termed the decision as bad for the country as well as for the team. "I haven't heard a decision like this in my life.

"It is getting clearer that it is Majid Khan versus Aamir Sohail with the Councillors playing the role of puppets," Hanif lamented. Hanif Mohammad also launched a scathing attack on Majid Khan saying that he was not playing his role properly. "He is being biased and vindictive against Aamir Sohail. Majid was not brought to the cricket setup to play politics." Hanif Mohammad expressed his surprise that nobody was checking the activities of Majid Khan. "I strongly appeal to the President and Prime Minister to carry out investigations against the affairs of the PCB and also against Majid Khan for bringing the sport into dispute."

SIKANDAR BAKTH: Member Disciplinary Committee, Sikandar Bakth, admitted that there was some confusion in the decision but added that investigations in the betting and match-fixing allegations means that the accused should also be allowed to cross-examine the accuser as well as by his panel.

"Thorough investigations means that we will have to probe each and every player. Is the PCB willing to make us available those players or will those cricketers voluntarily come forward to face the inquiry," questioned Sikandar Bakth. The former Test pacer, however, said the decision has made one thing quite clear÷influential players can escape punishments. "The star cricketers, with a lot of backing, can force a reopening of the case while the players with no support at all have to accept the decision. I think it is bad. I don't think we are setting a good example. Can we be able to penalise a star cricketer in future in the background that we know that he can force a reversal of the decision."

HASIB AHSAN: Former Chairman of Selectors Hasib Ahsan observed that the Pakistan Cricket Board was unnecessarily prolonging the case just to settle its own score.

"The PCB is trying desperately to save its own face besides trying to prove that it came out clean and victorious. If this is the way to save an institution, well, one can imagine how the affairs of the board are being run," Ahsan said. "This was an ideal time to reverse the decision which would have been widely welcomed. But pending the case will complicate the thing further and there will be more chaos and confusion besides controversies," he said.

Ahsan said the PCB may play whatever game it wants, the followers of the game know that the government interference is too hot for the cricket officials to handle. "This particular meeting and reconsideration of an appeal from Aamir Sohail is a case in point." Hasib Ahsan said the meaning of thorough investigations was that the Disciplinary Committee and Aamir Sohail will have to confront the accused players. "Is the board officials willing to do this. And if they want to do it now, why it was not done earlier." The former Test off-spinner said Aamir Sohail has been fined Rs 50,000 for breaking the Code of Conduct by giving statements in the Press. "The same has been done by Mushtaq Mohammad and Nasimul Ghani in India on Tuesday. And similar had been done by Majid Khan when he was the official of the cricket team. Why similar actions were not taken against those. It clearly shows that the Council is also undisciplined and needs an `operation clean-up'."

Ahsan said he considered the dispute of Aamir Sohail very minor which was made huge by mishandling the entire case. "But what about the accounts of the World Cup which have not been finalised yet. Huge amount is due to come to the coffers of the PCB but no one is pursuing the case despite the fact that the Treasurer of the PILCOM is a Pakistani."

RAZAULLAH KHAN: Former member of the defunct BCCP, Razaullah Khan, criticised the decision of the Executive Council saying that it was a dummy and rubber-stamp. "They have proved that they operate on the whims and fancies of Majid Khan. On Majid's directive, they first endorsed the wrong decision and then again on Majid's advice suspended the two-year ban on Aamir Sohail" Razaullah Khan said. Razaullah demanded that a Supreme Court Judge be appointed to carry out investigations against the PCB "because it has tarnished the image of Pakistan more than the player who is unnecessarily been victimised."

Source:: Dawn (https://xiber.com/dawn/)