Mani blasts PCB's 'stubborn' stance over taking action against tainted trio

Lahore, Sep 9(ANI): Former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of being 'stubborn' with regard to taking action against the three players embroiled in the ongoing 'spot-fixing' scandal.

The ICC has suspended Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir over allegations that they were involved in a 150,000-pound betting scam with London-based agent Mazhar Majeed.

"The PCB was stubborn after the spot-fixing and betting allegations came to the surface and were adamant the players will play the one-day series even after they were named as suspects," The Nation quoted Mani, as saying.

"The ICC could not tolerate this and suspended them," he added.ani further insisted the board would be responsible for any damage to Pakistan's image in the cricket world.

"To keep the inquiry within its ambit and save itself from further embarrassment, the PCB should have suspended the players and taken up its own investigation," Mani said.

"Now, because of its unprofessional and careless attitude, the spot-fixing scandal is out of its control and neither does it have any control over the players. It is unfortunate that the PCB did not realise the gravity of the situation when the allegations first came out," he added.

He also called for strict monitoring of agents, and efforts to effectively supervise the players.

"Players' agents should all be vetted and anyone like Mazhar Majeed should have been investigated," Mani said. (ANI)