As a cricket enthusiast I was simply appalled and disgusted to see the extensive coverage given by the media to the arrival and subsequent interview of the disgraced ex-Pakistan cricket captain and former jailbird, Salman Butt, an established and duly convicted crooked match-fixer who not only brought the game of cricket into disrepute, but irreparably tarnished the image of Pakistan.
Salman Butt was fairly tried by a British court and provided all the opportunity to defend himself against charges of corruption and spot-fixing by orchestrating deliberate no-balls through fast bowlers, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir, who Butt had roped in his nefarious plan of spot-fixing in lieu of illegal payment made by a well-known despicable bookie, called Mazhar Majeed. Salman Butt and his accomplices in this dirty game, could not present an iota of credible evidence to prove their innocence. British courts, unlike the third world courts, are fair, strict enforcers of law and are no 'Kangaroo' courts which could be manipulated or bought.
The contention of Salman Butt that he did not get justice is a load of bull-crap. According to Butt, he sacrificed himself because he did not take anyone's name. How ridiculous, for how could have taken anyone's name since he was the mastermind behind the sordid plan and it is him who had solely orchestrated the spot-fixing. Butt had also provided no credible evidence as to how a large sum of tainted money was found, stashed in the cabinet of his hotel room, conclusively proved to be given to him by the bookie, Mazhar Majeed.
In view of cricket lovers in Pakistan, Butt was let off quite lightly by the British court. He should have been transported to jail for at least 25 years for the degree of seriousness and heinousness of the crime in the context of both the game and the resultant disrepute of the nation. But now wants a court in Pakistan to hold an open trial. How preposterous, ridiculous and ludicrous demand, indeed, knowing well that no court in Pakistan will try him for the crime that was planed, orchestrated and executed in the UK. The media must shun such greedy and crooked individuals who bring nothing but shame to their country.
Comments
Comments are closed.