ICC lifts ban on Ataur Rehman

MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council on Saturday revoked the life ban imposed on former Pakistan fast bowler Ata-ur-Rehman for his involvement in match-fixing.     

"Rehman's application for reinstatement was accepted by the ICC's executive board today," ICC president Percy Sonn said after its two-day meeting here.     

Rehman, 31 was banned in 1999 by the Pakistan Cricket Board after an internal inquiry implicated him for hobnobbing with illegal bookmakers in fixing international matches.            

Three former Test captains, Salim Malik of Pakistan, Mohammad Azharuddin of India and the late Hansie Cronje of South Africa were also banned for life in the match-fixing scandal that hit cricket in 1998.           

Rehman sought permission from the ICC to play league cricket in England, said Sonn.      
 

An ICC review committee headed by respected television commentator Richie Benaud, a former Australian captain, had considered Rehman's application and lifted the ban, Sonn added.             

Rehman played 13 Tests and 30 one-day internationals between 1992 and 1996, claiming 31 Test and 27 one-day wickets. He last represented Pakistan in a one-dayer against England in Birmingham on August 31, 1996.