Bans on Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif will expire on September 1

“I’m not in a position to talk on the subject in detail as some instructions from the ICC are to be followed, but I’m thankful to all who guided and supported me in those testing days of my life”. They were caught red-handed for spot fixing while playing against the same team in Lords Test.

The ICC says suspension on three banned Pakistani cricketers Asif and Butt for spot fixing during a Test match five years ago will end next month.

Amir, 23, was banned for five years, 32-year-old Asif for seven with the final two years suspended on specified conditions and 30-year-old Butt, who was Pakistan captain, for 10 years with the last five suspended.

“Mohammad Amir will be eligible to return to cricket at worldwide level at the same time, following permission being granted to him to return to play domestic cricket in Pakistan earlier this year”. In addition, they also have to undergo a lecture on anti-corruption, which will take place in due course. So you can’t give more punishment for one crime.

Responding to the development, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said he would wait for the written ICC decision on the the players before giving his reaction. “It’s like a new lifeline for me and it’s only me who can understand what this means for me”. I can’t explain how much I am excited about regaining my bread and butter again.

“The fact that Pakistan has pulled out of the tri-series is simply not cricket and goes against the spirit of the game”, stated Mani, the ICC president from 2003-2006. I have suffered enough and I am a changed man now and learnt my lesson.

“What if people shout and call me a cheat? Everyone makes mistakes. So why shouldn’t they be given a chance to play for Pakistan again depending on their performances”, Basit said.

Butt’s likely stint with the Lahore Blues side is pending clearance from the PCB but a top official from the region was happy with the signing.

The ICC statement said the trio would remain under the glare of its anti-corruption unit.

The PCB, in a release, said it had sought further clarification from the ICC on the lifting of sanctions against Butt and Asif.