Spot-fixing case handling 'worst example of ICC's incompetence': Former PCB CEO

Islamabad, Jan 14(ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has showed its "incompetence" by the way it has so far dealt with the spot-fixing scandal involving key Pakistani players, former PCB chief executive officer Colonel (r) Rafi Nasim has said.

"With the abnormally lazy and lethargic attitude of the ICC in handling cricket affairs, the future of the suspended trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir will continue to hang in the air till the next hearing on Fabruary 5 or beyond," the Daily Times quoted Nasim, as saying.

"It is surprising that after investigating a simple spot-fixing issue for six months and then holding the 'court hearing' in Doha (Qatar) for one week by a three-man 'independent tribunal' headed by Michael Beloff QC, those at the helm of international cricket affairs are unable to reach a conclusion," he added.

There "could not be a worse example of the ICC's incompetence than this", said Nasim, wondering what will happen if it is confronted with "more grave and complicated cases."

He said ICC's main objective is to promote cricket by raising standards of the game and building up players' careers by providing them opportunities to play top class cricket.

"The case of the Pakistani trio is, however, absolutely opposite. Due to suspension they could not pursue the game for six months with a month more added to their agony cum idleness," he noted.

"If even they are lucky to be acquitted honourably, with seven months absence from the game they would be neither fit physically and mentally nor possessing the requisite playing form for inclusion in the Pakistan team for the World Cup-2011 starting on February 19," he added.

Nasim said the ICC wants the final verdict to be harsh enough to create a big impact on international cricket, with a view to minimize the incidence of corruption in the game.

"The ICC's thinking on the issue notwithstanding, its slow and steady pace of handling the case has caused irreparable damage to Pakistan's cricket," he maintained. (ANI)