JOIN USDisgraced Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif on Wednesday publicly confessed to his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal during the Lord’s Test and tendered an unconditional apology to his countrymen.
Nearly three years after he was handed a seven-year ban by the ICC from any form of cricket, the 30-year-old fast bowler admitted to his guilt for the first time
“I accept the punishment from the ICC tribunal in 2011. I apologise for my actions that have brought disrespect to my beloved country, to the millions of fans in Pakistan and in the world. When I look back at the events of my career, I feel very sorry,” Asif said during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club here.
Asif, fellow pacer Mohammad Aamer and then-captain Salman Butt were banned by the ICC for spot-fixing during the Lord’s Test against England in 2010. “I request all the players who want to represent their country that they must keep away from all sorts of corruption,” Asif said.
“I am ready to help any player who wants to avoid such pitfalls. I will duly cooperate with the ICC, its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) and with the PCB, in fighting corruption in the game,” he added.
Asif also said that he was ready to undertake PCB’s rehabilitation programme.
“I also want to make myself available for the rehab program to be conducted by the PCB through the support of the ICC,” he said.
“I have suffered a lot because of my wrongdoings. Now on the Independence Day of my country, I promise that once my ban finishes I will try to repair the damage I have done. My family has also suffered so I want to start a new life with a hope that all the fans of the game accept me,” Asif said.