What are the exact reasons for these actions — indiscipline, under-performance or match-fixing?
The proceedings of the committee are confidential. The PCB has made public the recommendations of the inquiry committee. There are references in the PCB release which said dismal performance in Australia which we looked into, probed into. Details were gone through, video recordings were seen and the players were given all opportunity to put across their views.
You use words like dismal and poor performance. Did you look into the match-fixing angle as well?
We looked into the totality of everything. But match-fixing was not within the reference of that committee. It never came up. Nothing was brought before us showing evidences of match-fixing. This topic was not mentioned by anybody before us.
You think indiscipline will end with this action?
Any decision creates a deterrent for future events. Therefore, we feel this goes a long way in abolishing the indiscipline in Pakistan cricket.
Why was action taken against Younus Khan? He was not even in Australia!
I agree. I cannot answer that. Certain things were divulged against him in the committee which I’m not at liberty to discuss.
What can this do to the future of Pakistan cricket?
The terms of reference were clear that we looked into the bad performance in Australia. I advise PCB on the legal side so I cannot comment on the cricketing decisions of the PCB.
Are these actions sustainable in court of law if they are challenged?
These are separate issues - one is sustainability and other challenge in the court. Anything on earth can be challenged in the court of law. Everybody has a right to go to court. But we’re confident that the verdict can be sustained in the court because due course of law was followed during the inquiry. Every player was confronted with evidence.
So you say the core issue is discipline…
Yes it is always an issue with Pakistan cricket team. We have also looked into the bad performances.
The PCB mentions infighting and its trickledown effect. Can you elaborate on that?
I cannot divulge what transpired during the meetings. For the time being, I can make public the only thing that was mentioned in the PCB release. But yes, there was infighting.
What about Afridi? Was he part of the infighting or it was just a ball-biting issue?
Action against him was only on the ball-biting thing which we thought brought disrepute to the country. The repercussions of that incident were looked into.
What are the exact charges against Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved?
Again, I will have to keep quite on this question. I cannot answer it.
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