Amir, Asif and Butt would damage PSL's reputation: Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistani batsman (PSL), Ramiz Raja has termed the potential involvement of the tainted trio of Mohammed Asif, Mohammed Amir and Salman Butt in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as “extremely dangerous” for the reputation of the tournament and advised the board to keep the players away.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had cleared Amir, Asif and Butt to return to all forms of cricket when their spot-fixing ban ended on September 2nd. However, the Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) postponed their comeback until February next year, around the same time the PSL gets underway.

But Ramiz said the trio should not be allowed to return to the national setup let alone be part of the PSL.

“I have solid views regarding this matter. The crime committed by them is unforgivable,” Ramiz said in an exclusive interview with news channel.

“I personally would never want them to be a part of the PSL as it is going to be extremely dangerous for the model of the event and image of Pakistan cricket,” the former captain said.

The 1992 World Cup winner expressed sheer disappointment over the PCB's decision to let Asif, Amir and Butt train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as part of their rehabilitation.

He said that such cricketing institutions were built to provide a 'role model' enviroment for young players and the presence of the spot-fixing trio would have a negative impact on the emerging cricketers.

“They get special treatment at the NCA. They are provided with young players to train with, they get their clothes washed and have food at the academy. This is not acceptable.” said Ramiz.