Aamir meets PCB top brass, Ashraf expresses disappointment

Lahore: Banned pacer Mohammad Aamir has finally had a meeting with the top two officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during which its chairman, Zaka Ashraf, expressed his disappointment at the bowler`s action.

Aamir met with the chairman of the board, Zaka Ashraf and chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmad earlier this month, a well informed source said. "The banned pacer himself came for the meeting which lasted for some two hours but the chairman made it clear to Aamir that he was very disappointed and sad at the way he (Aamir) had let Pakistan cricket and the country down," the source said. The source said that Aamir was told in clear words that he would have to serve the ICC ban of five years with all its rules and regulations and the PCB was not in a position to assist him in any manner. "But the chairman also said that the board would try to put him through a rehabilitation and counselling programme as soon as possible with the permission of the ICC," the source said. The source said apparently the chairman and COO had discussed in detail the situation which led to the spot-fixing scandal in England in 2010 and how the players got involved in it. The PCB had about a month back had written to the ICC, inquiring if there was a possibility to start a rehabilitation and counselling program for the youngster as soon as possible. "But the ICC has so far not responded to the PCB query," the source said. The pacer was convicted along with teammates, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif for their involvement in the spot-fixing scandal during the Lord`s Test in 2010. The three accused were given different jail terms. Amir was sentenced for six months, but was released in February due to good behaviour after serving half his sentence, while the other two are still serving their terms. PTI