The 18 year old kid - far away from home and his family.

[Javelin]

Irregardless of what he did, right now this 18 year old kid is in a foreign country, far away from home, his family and his loved ones,

And the whole world, including his own team mates, are lambasting him and abandoning him, and he does not know what is going to happen to him next, including whether he's going to end in a British police cell and a British prison.

Is there anyone, anyone at all, who is ready to put an arm around his shoulders and console him ? Offer him advice ?

From all accounts, he does not have a rich family whereby his father, or an uncle or two, could fly out and put this arm around his shoulders.

O.K he may have done wrong.
O.K give him the punishment when he's proved to be guilty.

BUT, don't throw him to the dogs!

Don't forget, he's only a young kid!!

Many of you will have 18 year old brothers/sisters, or sons/daughters, or cousins, ..or

Imagine if one of them is far away, in another country, accused of doing wrong, with the whole world hounding them. Would you not want someone, anyone, to put an arm around them and give them a shoulder to cry upon ?

If I was nearby, I would, if I could, put that arm around him and give him that shoulder to lean upon.

If he's done wrong, then o.k., punish him, taking into account his naivety.

But don't destroy him!

Have some heart! He's only a kid!

[Ismailtoca]

Agree

[Maula Jutt]

I agree.

[Xohaib]

thats what am saying,he is just an 18 year old kid,when I was 18 I used to watch tom and jerry and love my teacher.

[Sledger]

Originally Posted by Xohaib thats what am saying,he is just an 18 year old kid,when I was 18 I used to watch tom and jerry and love my teacher.

Legend.

[pakistan zindabad lfc]

agree mate, very good post

[akberc]

Exactly what I was thinking. Punish him for his degree of involvement, but at this time he needs a personal representative or a lawyer or something.

[bhakkar]

i am crying reading this thread. u just reminded me that amidst all the crap hes only 18. May allah give him strength to come out of this a better human being. ameen.

[shan]

First of all, ppers should stop calling him kid for god sake.

[sully3]

he wont go prison over this. they might arrest him for a few days but he wont go prison.
the prison's are full here.
i know sum1 who got 4 years for man slaughter.

[BoomBoomAli]

Hes at least 20, and from my experience boys from Pakistan mature very early and always have a sense of financial gain.

[Solid Snake]

I feel for him that he had to enter a team full of shoddy characters with no shame. IF he did do something wrong, shame on him and he should be punished. But no one can deny that this team with the bloody mafia running wild is rotten to the core.

I have no doubt they got him into this, but the important thing to note is the final choice was his. Yeah feel a little sympathetic when I heard he could end up in jail. No doubt the disgrace that is the mafia will try their best to distance themselves from him, and if possible try and place all the blame on him

S Butt has already hinted that he will try and save himself. Bloody disgrace.

[Daytripped]

I agree too. He's only 18.

[sully3]

Originally Posted by shan First of all, ppers should stop calling him kid for god sake.

mate at the end of the day they are going to treat him like a kid.

[kingusama92]

He's officially an adult.

I think all of the accused could use some sort of support, right now. Not just Aamer alone.

[asifp]

Think back to when you were 18. I mean seriously I had no clue about finances till I was working in Univ. The world sounds like your oyster when you are 18.

[Im Suds]

Originally Posted by Javelin Irregardless of what he did, right now this 18 year old kid is in a foreign country, far away from home, his family and his loved ones, And the whole world, including his own team mates, are lambasting him and abandoning him, and he does not know what is going to happen to him next, including whether he's going to end in a British police cell and a British prison. Is there anyone, anyone at all, who is ready to put an arm around his shoulders and console him ? Offer him advice ? From all accounts, he does not have a rich family whereby his father, or an uncle or two, could fly out and put this arm around his shoulders. O.K he may have done wrong. O.K give him the punishment when he's proved to be guilty. BUT, don't throw him to the dogs! Don't forget, he's only a young kid!! Many of you will have 18 year old brothers/sisters, or sons/daughters, or cousins, ..or Imagine if one of them is far away, in another country, accused of doing wrong, with the whole world hounding them. Would you not want someone, anyone, to put an arm around them and give them a shoulder to cry upon ? If I was nearby, I would, if I could, put that arm around him and give him that shoulder to lean upon. If he's done wrong, then o.k., punish him, taking into account his naivety. But don't destroy him! Have some heart! He's only a kid!

Yes your absolutely right
Young man offered a big pay off for bowling a couple of wides...lets not been too righteous..alot of young man from poor countries are not going to refuse that kind of money that can save their families...

I pray he's not guilty altho the evidence looks bad

My anger is for rogue Asif and worst still Butt-

[waqar_ahmad]

Good thread. I completely agree.

He is just a kid. I do not believe that he did all this without being put under immense pressure form Butt and Akmal. No junior player of amir's calibre who knows that he has the world at his finger tips, would do such a thing so early on in his career.

If I could, I would somehow save his career, and let the rest of them burn.

[Javelin]

Originally Posted by shan First of all, ppers should stop calling him kid for god sake.

Why not ?
In my eyes he's just a young kid.

If you don't like it, then lump it!

[Desi_Joker]

I doubt he'll be treated like a child - legally he's an adult and is capable of discretion, hence he is as prone as anybody else involved to punishment

[shan]

He should be banned for life. Its time to get honest players a chance to play.

[Xohaib]

I hope they all are punished by Uk not pak or ICC00000

[Radiance Of Australis]

Aw,he is innocent.Just look at him. Those red eyes at the presentation today,he must have been sobbing in his bedsheets last night,crying for mommy.

Its the big bad meanie Asif who made him do this.And Salman too! They..they FORCED HIM!
Aww,he is only eighteen,still has a few baby teeth left in his gums.

Forgive him and award him the ICC Emerging Baby..sorry,Player of the Year award.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Our old friend Zaid65 just re-appeared with a thread not to blame the players but society, and to an extent he is right. Young guys like Amir and Amin are being introduced to a team culture which was reeking of match-fixing before they got their first cap. While there's no excuse I hope they are shown some leniency due to their youth and inexperience. It must be very difficult for a young guy to come into a team and resist the pressure of his elders who may have been his idols a year earlier.

[Inswinger]

That's why the managers and coaches should be doing now.

[Pk-zindabaad]

Completely agree- he's only 18

[Inswinger]

And please don't make excuses for him. How can we say he was forced into this?

[GLORY OF '92]

Originally Posted by waqar_ahmad Good thread. I completely agree. He is just a kid. I do not believe that he did all this without being put under immense pressure form Butt and Akmal. No junior player of amir's calibre who knows that he has the world at his finger tips, would do such a thing so early on in his career. If I could, I would somehow save his career, and let the rest of them burn.

Agreed

[KingKhanWC]

I don't a lot lot worse than him at 18, so do feel sorry for him. Hope they see he is the youngest and ban him for life. A few years, fine.

[Boi]

The guy sold out his country. Sorry, I have no sympathy for him.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by Inswinger And please don't make excuses for him. How can we say he was forced into this?

Maybe he was afraid of losing his place if he didn't listen to his seniors, those magarmachs had already got rid of Younis Khan, do you think Aamer was any big deal for them?

He is just a kid yaar, he must have thougth about his family's future, if he lost his place in the squad, how could he have supported his family as there is no IPL contract waiting for him either.

Could be many reasons. I am not saying he was forced but just listing up some reasons for why he got engaged in this mess.

If he is found guilty and he apologies to the whole nation, I will definately forgive him.

No matter what, he is a brother.

[Javelin]

Listen to or read what Paul Condon, and David LLoyd have said. There shady characters worm their way into being friends with these players, especially the young ones, and cajole them into doing something very, very 'minor'. Before they know it, they are hooked, and if they don't co-operate, their families are threatened, their mothers/sisters are threatened (if you know what I mean)...

The young guys from poor backgrounds are the easiest to hook, and the easiest to threaten. If they don't co-operate, they will be thrown out of the team, their families threatened, their chance to take their families out of poverty taken away.
If they report to anyone, they will not be believed, or worst still, they could be reporting it to someone who was already in on it!

Heck, if Captains such as Y.Khan are not believed, what chance do they have ?

Taking all that into account, don't be too hasty to send an 18 year old to the gallows!

Anyway, my thread is about putting a consoling arm round the shoulder of a terrified young man.

[iafzal]

Originally Posted by Xohaib thats what am saying,he is just an 18 year old kid,when I was 18 I used to watch tom and jerry and love my teacher.

seriously? did your parents allow you to watch Tom&Jerry @ 18 because to me you look a tad bit under age.

[farooq_pzb]

I feel sorry for Amer and for Salman too for that matter, who seems to be from a decent family as well. It is the job of the board to guide and protect them from scum like the majeed brothers, but unfortunately one the assi/tussi/hainji starts all the guards are let down.

[waqar_ahmad]

Originally Posted by Boi The guy sold out his country. Sorry, I have no sympathy for him.

If you came from a poor background, had a family to support, knew that you were a legend in the making, and if you went against the will of the captain, vice captain, and probably the manager, who had already gotten a player of the caliber of YK kicked out, then you would be kicked out of the team as well, then you would not say such a thing.

Learn to understand what someone might have been through, before saying stuff like that

[Javelin]

Originally Posted by waqar_ahmad If you came from a poor background, had a family to support, knew that you were a legend in the making, and if you went against the will of the captain, vice captain, and probably the manager, who had already gotten a player of the caliber of YK kicked out, then you would be kicked out of the team as well, then you would not say such a thing. Learn to understand what someone might have been through, before saying stuff like that

It's very easy for someone sitting behind a keyboard, living and having been brought up, in a Western country, with all the privelages that entails, to make a comment that this individual is making.

[insaaniyat]

Originally Posted by Javelin Irregardless of what he did, right now this 18 year old kid is in a foreign country, far away from home, his family and his loved ones, And the whole world, including his own team mates, are lambasting him and abandoning him, and he does not know what is going to happen to him next, including whether he's going to end in a British police cell and a British prison. Is there anyone, anyone at all, who is ready to put an arm around his shoulders and console him ? Offer him advice ? From all accounts, he does not have a rich family whereby his father, or an uncle or two, could fly out and put this arm around his shoulders. O.K he may have done wrong. O.K give him the punishment when he's proved to be guilty. BUT, don't throw him to the dogs! Don't forget, he's only a young kid!! Many of you will have 18 year old brothers/sisters, or sons/daughters, or cousins, ..or Imagine if one of them is far away, in another country, accused of doing wrong, with the whole world hounding them. Would you not want someone, anyone, to put an arm around them and give them a shoulder to cry upon ? If I was nearby, I would, if I could, put that arm around him and give him that shoulder to lean upon. If he's done wrong, then o.k., punish him, taking into account his naivety. But don't destroy him! Have some heart! He's only a kid!

I know what you mean.
1.)First him or his family needs to do is to sell that 2 carore house in Lahore. In year and half time how could he buy that house?
2) He also needs to come out and deny the report or accept it with a
sincere apology.
3) And if he accept his mistake, I want to ask him personally how he will
rebuild Pakistan's image at home and around the world?

If he can do all this, I put my hands around him and console him

[waqar_ahmad]

Originally Posted by Javelin It's very easy for someone sitting behind a keyboard, living and having been brought up, in a Western country, with all the privelages that entails, to make a comment that this individual is making.

Exactly.

If I were living in the UK right now, and may be I were a lawyer, I would personally see Amir, make him understand the law, may be even make him come out with a statement to help his case.

Call me naive, but I would help this guy personally, as much as I could.

I have younger brothers, and right now, I am thinking how I would react if they were in such trouble.

I am not defending him or anything, just saying that try to understand what he might have gone through, to reach this stage.

[Javelin]

Originally Posted by insaaniyat I know what you mean. 1.)First him or his family needs to do is to sell that 2 carore house in Lahore. In year and half time how could he buy that house? 2) He also needs to come out and deny the report or accept it with a sincere apology. 3) And if he accept his mistake, I want to ask him personally how he will rebuild Pakistan's image at home and around the world? If he can do all this, I put my hands around him and console him

1. Ever heard of sponsorship deals ?
2. I would not want an 18 year to do any such this, bearing in mind the accusations against him, without advice and support from his family as well as a decent lawyer.
3. see 2 above.

[Javelin]

Originally Posted by waqar_ahmad Exactly. If I were living in the UK right now, and may be I were a lawyer, I would personally see Amir, make him understand the law, may be even make him come out with a statement to help his case. Call me naive, but I would help this guy personally, as much as I could. I have younger brothers, and right now, I am thinking how I would react if they were in such trouble. I am not defending him or anything, just saying that try to understand what he might have gone through, to reach this stage.

If I was allowed near him, I would bring him to my house, get my wife to cook him a nice meal, get him away from the newspapers and tv, and get him to relax in the back garden with my family. At the same time I would contact a decent lawyer and get him to come and have a chat with him.

I will not ask him if he did or did'nt do it - in fact I would not talk about cricket at all. And I would phone his parents, in his presence, to tell them not to worry too much, and ask them to try, if possible, to fly out and give him support.

If anyone does'nt like this, then they can go take arunning jump ....

[kuptaan]

Originally Posted by waqar_ahmad If you came from a poor background, had a family to support, knew that you were a legend in the making, and if you went against the will of the captain, vice captain, and probably the manager, who had already gotten a player of the caliber of YK kicked out, then you would be kicked out of the team as well, then you would not say such a thing. Learn to understand what someone might have been through, before saying stuff like that

I understand what you are trying to say but If proven guilty an example needs to be made or ALL the players for the interest of Pakistan cricket in the long run otherwise we may be at the same place in 5/10 years time with another talented youngster who may be thinking well Amir got away it (using the age/poor background excuse) I might as well. This will make it easier for the bookies to convince these kids into this sort of activity. Thus we need to eradicate fixing NOW by punishing ALL proven fixers with life bans as a deterrent for future generations.


Before this fiasco Amir had the full support of the entire country and has proven to be a world class player so if he had just said NO to spot fixing here the worst the mafia cud have done was kick him out of the team. Even if this happened he would have had no financial problems as he could have easily got a county contract not to mention the numerous T20 competitions around the world he could easily play as he has shown his class to the world any domestic team would love to sign him (If players of the caliber of Mahmood, Arafat can make good livings doing this surely Amir can too). Like I said he had the backing of the entire nation and the media anyway so the mafia would not be able to keep him out of the Pakistan team for long anyway – there would be a public outcry for his inclusion.

[waqar_ahmad]

Originally Posted by Javelin If I was allowed near him, I would bring him to my house, get my wife to cook him a nice meal, get him away from the newspapers and tv, and get him to relax in the back garden with my family. At the same time I would contact a decent lawyer and get him to come and have a chat with him. I will not ask him if he did or did'nt do it - in fact I would not talk about cricket at all. And I would phone his parents, in his presence, to tell them not to worry too much, and ask them to try, if possible, to fly out and give him support. If anyone does'nt like this, then they can go take arunning jump ....

What you just described, is part of mentoring. He needs to be comforted, and he needs guidance. It was the lack of these things that got him into trouble in the first place

[Saj]

Lovely opening post Javelin.

The problem that no doubt guys like myself and others have is that if we do ring him at this time is that he probably wont be able to talk to anyone/

Lets hope he's spoken to his family and reassured them.

[waqar_ahmad]

Originally Posted by kuptaan I understand what you are trying to say but If proven guilty an example needs to be made or ALL the players otherwise we may be at the same place in 5/10 years time with another talented youngster who may be thinking well Amir got away it (using the age/poor background excuse) I might as well. This will make it easier for the bookies to convince these kids into this sort of activity. Before this fiasco Amir had the full support of the entire country and has proven to be a world class player so if he had just said NO to spot fixing here the worst the mafia cud have done was kick him out of the team. Even if this happened he would have had no financial problems as he could have easily got a county contract not to mention the numerous T20 competitions around the world he could easily play as he has shown his class to the world any domestic team would love to sign him. Like I said he had the backing of the entire nation and the media so the mafia would not keep him out of the Pakistan team for long anyway – there would be a public outcry for his inclusion.

Playing for your country is the dream. Playing for the county is not.

Backing of the entire nation is not enough to keep you in the team

[Wasim_Waqar]

My fellow Potowari. I was so proud of him. Made me proud to be a Pakistani bowling fan again after so many years. What have you done? Your actions out of all these idiots, has made the most upset

[aqeelPK]

IF he is innocent then its very very bad that he is in this situation at the age of 18.
BUT IF not then think about millions and millions of fans like us who follow each and every ball of Pakistan cricket. I still remember those times when all of a sudden ball stopped swinging,strange field placings, dropped catches and players like hilfenhaus,bollinger,smith,pain and broad got big scores against us. BUT even during those tough times,i didnt miss even a single ball and i prayed for the team on each and every ball.I am sure millions watched these matches like me.I just cant explain those emotions and pain in words which me and many others received during those spells.NOW when i think the players did all that on purpose, i feel ashamed of myself.dont know whether to laugh or cry on those moments when i cudnt sleep the whole night coz of team's defeat or north's sixfer or hilfenaus's fifty or broad's century.

[kuptaan]

Originally Posted by waqar_ahmad Playing for your country is the dream. Playing for the county is not. Backing of the entire nation is not enough to keep you in the team

Off course playing for Pakistan is every kid’s dreams but everyone seems to be stating that he had a family to support so had to spot fix to stay in with the right crowd in order to provide for his family so I just pointed out that he cud have said NO to FIXING and still be able to provide for his family with his reputation intact.

The fixers would have eventually been caught anyway (as has been proved) as they would have carried on doing it until caught out and Amir could have walked back into the Pakistan team with his head held high (he could have even given evidence against them).

Don’t underestimate the power of the public if a change is wanted badly enough it will happen after a public/media outcry. Look at the current series (Yousuf was brought after batting failures) so IButt has to make it happen to please the public to keep the heat off him.

In this example if Amir is dropped after refusing to spot fix. After few games lost a public outcry would result in IButt stepping in and recalling Amir (As IButt has look like he is changing things to save his butt like he did with moyo recall)

The YK case was different. Public opinion on YK is divided but with Amir EVERYONE wanted him in the team and respect for the boy would only go up if he blew the lid on the fixing fiasco instead of being part of it.

Don’t get me wrong I am a big fan of Amir but a bigger fan of Pakistan cricket and for its interest I would be willing to give up Amir for now so that the next Amir doesn’t make the same mistake because if you let one get away with it they will all think it is acceptable. We may end up losing many more talented youngsters to MATCH fixing.

Believe me we have produced world class bowlers in the past and will always continue to produce them. NO INDIVIDUAL IS BIGGER THAN THE NATION.

[Savak]

I am sorry, but it doesnt matter how old you are, once you cross over to the dark side, there is no going back. Aamir is responsible enough for his own decisions, yes he could argue he was pressurized by others into complying, threatened with dire consequences by the bookies and others i.e. death threats against family members but bottomline this will scar him for life, he will still get a hefty punishment and will be regarded as a cheat his entire life.

Punishing these people heavily, showing no mercy, giving no favors will actually serve as an example to future generations of players not to sell their souls, their motherland for a few $$$$

[kuptaan]

Originally Posted by Savak I am sorry, but it doesnt matter how old you are, once you cross over to the dark side, there is no going back. Aamir is responsible enough for his own decisions, yes he could argue he was pressurized by others into complying, threatened with dire consequences by the bookies and others i.e. death threats against family members but bottomline this will scar him for life, he will still get a hefty punishment and will be regarded as a cheat his entire life. Punishing these people heavily, showing no mercy, giving no favors will actually serve as an example to future generations of players not to sell their souls, their motherland for a few $$$$

This is the reason he has to be punished harshly cos i don't want us to lose perhaps even more talented youngsters in the future to the same mistake.

[Javelin]

Please don't make judgements on an 18 year old kid, until he's proven guilty, and even then until you the background.
Till then dont throw him to the dogs

[UsmanhailsAfridi]

I made several mistakes at 18 thinking i was the smartest guy in the world and knew what i was doing...

do people really think Aamir could comprehend that 'he was selling his country' <--- isn't this is why people are hating on him so much?

A lot of much older ppl still can't comprehend what it means to spot fix and the bigger implication of these acts because after all its a few no balls right. I just don't think Aamir was fully aware of what was going on and the consequences he could face.

Peer pressure is a terrible thing especially with a lack of mentor. Please tell me 1 class act in the team who was mentoring this kid. NO yk no inzi no afridi, so who is there with this kid to tell him the difference between right n wrong. Kids make mistakes - it happens all the time mainly bc their lack of understanding or just mere arrogance that they are adults and know what is right for them. Unfortunately most of the time it turns out that they acted immaturely and when you look back at your teenage years you find quite a few decisions that were utterly stupid.

After every prayer I am asking Allah to bring out the truth that if this kid has been forced and put under pressure then please have mercy on him and clear his name.

[osee_bhai]

Something about his baby face and innocent demeanour makes him look really innocent.
But if he is guilty, and greed is the reason, it is quite baffling. Everyone has been saying these guys make peanuts, (400krupees a month or wtv is not peanuts) + match fees, and then sponsorship deals are worth more than all that i stated above, badal do zamana anyone? My uncle told me he is making a 5 crore house in lahore, so i don't get why he would do this for 10k pounds.
So again if he is guilty, I can only see 3 reasons:

1. He is wanting to get in on much bigger match/spot - fixing deals.
2. He has been heavily manipulated my his teammates (to save themselves) or he is under some threats.
3. He is stupid and risked everything for 10k pounds.

[Maula Jutt]

I highly doubt it is greed. Not for one moment I believe Amir did this for greed. It is definitely NOT for greed.

He did it under peer pressure and/or coercion. I would be very, VERY surprised if, after the investigation, the reason for his action comes out to be greed.

[*sallu*]

At 18 years of age, you have enough brain to think for yourself
I'm 18 and I would NEVER do anything to harm my country's reputation

Whether Aamer did it under pressure, or fear or greed, the fact of the matter is he did it.
He will be punished.

He doesn't need a shoulder or an arm or anything as far as I'm concerned.

[blinding light]

I understand Aamer is a world-class act on the field, but if caught cheating then he should be treated as a cheater. He should've though of it all before, being alone in a foreign country with no shoulder to cry on and all that crap. He should have realised that even if he gets away with it, he'll still be answerable in Allah's Court surely. I'm nearly 17, and I know of all sorts of vices out there - I can differentiate between right and wrong but I thinks it unfair to compare him to myself. Agreed. But he isn't as innocent a bacha to get involved in this just like that. IF he is guilty, he should get the appropriate punishment. I remember last year seeing the guy on TV in his village after the T20 WC, I was filled with pride because of him. Now he's fallen from "Gujjar-khan-ki-shaan" to "Gujjar-Khan-ka-na-farmaan." And I am so hurt especially by him and Salman Butt in this mess that I say they be given the severest of punishments. So that in future people avoid that - just think I'd say it here, slightly off topic, but there's a reason why Allah has prescribed the amputation of the hand when a thief is caught as a punishment - its punishment for the culprit + a lesson for others. And as hard as it is for me to say this, if one Mohammad Aamer is given the just punishment for his deeds, in future a hundred Mohammad Aamers would avoid this..

I've been smitten by this track ever since my niece saw this cartoon movie on DVD. And frankly, I dont care if its for babies. It carries a damn strong message and you can read the lyrics, baring a few lines, they fit our cricketers perfectly IF they are guilty of match/spot fixing:

http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/d/disn...fus511876.html

"But do not forget what we cannot forgive."

[UmarMalik]

Remove Butt, Akmals, Malik & Asif from the team.. team khud hi theek ho jaegi

[UntouchablePlaya]

leave this kid alone.

[Cryin Out Loud]

I'll state upfront I'm an Indian fan so take that into account when reading on.

I believe that, if he is found guilty, Amir has to be harshly punished. He's too young? Does that mean that any kid who cheats in their high school, boards, etc should be let off because he or she is too young? We can accept suspension, expulsion for a 15 year old who is caught cheating in an exam, so why should someone who betrayed a national honour be let off easily?

But that's a minor argument. It's more important is to excise the rot of corruption that's infected Pakistan cricket. You cannot do that by being lenient no matter the person's background. At some stage you have to say - Enough. This is that time.


I can feel the loss; Amir is one of the most talented bowlers I have seen since I started to watch cricket around 1980. But the same fans who call for leniency for Amir today should not, cannot, have lost all right to act outraged when a similar incident happens a few months or a few years from now, with him or someone else playing a starring role.

Being emotional or sentimental about his youth will only harm Pakistan's cricket. So if you call for leniency now, don't pretend to act surprised if this happens again, or feel angry that people treat Pakistani cricket with derision.

[khilari]

i wouldn't have done such a thing at age 14 even. sorry to the thread starter, i don't have any sympathies for him even after reading your emotional post.

[Sledger]

He's old enough to play international cricket with all the pressures, he's old enough to accept the responsibility to deal with this self made pressure. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

[Cracket]

Just so you guys know Amir was in on it all from the beginning. He was in direct contact with the fixer and that much is proven from NOTW reports. He wasn't just acting under Butt's orders..

[qaiser]

My hunch is all this is part of a well plotted scam to hurt image of Aamer and therefore fail Pakistan as a nation (already being done through target killing, load shedding, everything getting expensive, targeting economic stability, and so called 'natural disasters').

why was mr. majeed released after admiiting all his wron doings? (maybe b/c he was hired to do this dirty work).

[Kray_jackson7]

I feel sorry for the thousands of people who payed hard-earned money to watch these fools make fools of us! to hell with his age and stop trying to make us feel sorry for him, Young or not he knew exactly what he was doing!

[Decipher]

Originally Posted by Javelin Irregardless of what he did, right now this 18 year old kid is in a foreign country, far away from home, his family and his loved ones, And the whole world, including his own team mates, are lambasting him and abandoning him, and he does not know what is going to happen to him next, including whether he's going to end in a British police cell and a British prison. Is there anyone, anyone at all, who is ready to put an arm around his shoulders and console him ? Offer him advice ? From all accounts, he does not have a rich family whereby his father, or an uncle or two, could fly out and put this arm around his shoulders. O.K he may have done wrong. O.K give him the punishment when he's proved to be guilty. BUT, don't throw him to the dogs! Don't forget, he's only a young kid!! Many of you will have 18 year old brothers/sisters, or sons/daughters, or cousins, ..or Imagine if one of them is far away, in another country, accused of doing wrong, with the whole world hounding them. Would you not want someone, anyone, to put an arm around them and give them a shoulder to cry upon ? If I was nearby, I would, if I could, put that arm around him and give him that shoulder to lean upon. If he's done wrong, then o.k., punish him, taking into account his naivety. But don't destroy him! Have some heart! He's only a kid!

Yeah, next time he should travel with his mommy n pappa and the milk feeding bottle.

[Geordie Ahmed]

He is the only one I have some sympathy for - if the reports are true then the fixing began before he played for the team so the suggestion that he might have been pressurised into it is quite a valid one - still should not mean he is let off lightly if found guilty - for the sake of our cricketing future, tough punishments need to be handed out

Im just gutted he was been involed - its one thing for talentless no hopers to do this BUT the lad has/had the world at his feet and he might just have thrown it all away

[Inswinger]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed He is the only one I have some sympathy for - if the reports are true then the fixing began before he played for the team so the suggestion that he might have been pressurised into it is quite a valid one - still should not mean he is let off lightly if found guilty - for the sake of our cricketing future, tough punishments need to be handed out Im just gutted he was been involed - its one thing for talentless no hopers to do this BUT the lad has/had the world at his feet and he might just have thrown it all away

Maybe he didn't believe he was doing anything wrong, He was only being asked to bowl a couple of no-balls, not actually underperform.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Inswinger Maybe he didn't believe he was doing anything wrong, He was only being asked to bowl a couple of no-balls, not actually underperform.

True - I hope he was just extremely naive- he is a young lad, not from a well off family and no major education behind him - I could easily forgive him

Some of the other players allegedly involved I cant forgive as they definitely should have known better

Chalo lets see what happens

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by Inswinger Maybe he didn't believe he was doing anything wrong, He was only being asked to bowl a couple of no-balls, not actually underperform.

Discussing this matter with a friend who said he could blame it on butt saying he told me bowl a no-ball just to scare batsmen with a foot of extra pace or something. Might be a valid argument.

BUT fact of the matter is he had the world in his hands and he threw it away. whatever ban he gets is deserved and i wish it is a biggie for the sake of our future

[GLORY OF '92]

Originally Posted by Javelin If I was allowed near him, I would bring him to my house, get my wife to cook him a nice meal, get him away from the newspapers and tv, and get him to relax in the back garden with my family. At the same time I would contact a decent lawyer and get him to come and have a chat with him. I will not ask him if he did or did'nt do it - in fact I would not talk about cricket at all. And I would phone his parents, in his presence, to tell them not to worry too much, and ask them to try, if possible, to fly out and give him support. If anyone does'nt like this, then they can go take arunning jump ....

Great post. If only our management and leadership took this sort of care of our players.

[zimran72]

Originally Posted by Saj Lovely opening post Javelin. The problem that no doubt guys like myself and others have is that if we do ring him at this time is that he probably wont be able to talk to anyone/ Lets hope he's spoken to his family and reassured them.

Can hardly believe that as a mod you have sympathy for traitors.

A traitor is a traitor no matter how you say it.

I think our wonderful PPP government received plenty of sympathy votes in the wake of the elections.

Should get an appropriate punishment to set a precedent and get rid of this match-fixing disease once and for all.

Next thing I'll hear from people here is that Salman Butt should be given another chance because he won a test against Australia. I'd love to see most of these guys rot in jail and disappear into obscurity.

This problem of sympathizing with the villain is embedded in our society. People will sympathize with terrorist organizations that organize suicide bombings in our country because they are 'misled' or are 'Muslim' etc. Stop finding sick and sorry excuses to pardon the culprits of this country. Heck, the best example is that the two most popular leaders of our great country have been to jailed and expelled from the country.

I only have pity for Aamer. He could have been a heck of a bowler but HE ruined it for himself.

[zimran72]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed True - I hope he was just extremely naive- he is a young lad, not from a well off family and no major education behind him - I could easily forgive him Some of the other players allegedly involved I cant forgive as they definitely should have known better Chalo lets see what happens

I hope not. Otherwise people of Pakistan will use that to let the traitor off the hook.

[zimran72]

Originally Posted by Javelin If I was allowed near him, I would bring him to my house, get my wife to cook him a nice meal, get him away from the newspapers and tv, and get him to relax in the back garden with my family. At the same time I would contact a decent lawyer and get him to come and have a chat with him. I will not ask him if he did or did'nt do it - in fact I would not talk about cricket at all. And I would phone his parents, in his presence, to tell them not to worry too much, and ask them to try, if possible, to fly out and give him support. If anyone does'nt like this, then they can go take arunning jump ....

Not a bad idea. Then maybe he can teach your kids how to sell their country to make a few quick bucks. Or he will tell you when he will bowl the next no-ball or throw the next game.

Why shouldn't you cash in at the cost of your nation when everyone else seems to be doing it. Can hardly blame you for your intentions.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by zimran72 I hope not. Otherwise people of Pakistan will use that to let the traitor off the hook.

Makes no sense

My point is if he deep down felt he wasnt doing anything bad then its not the biggest crime in the world - not saying he should not be punished BUT if he has been naive then we can understand and maybe his career isnt over as some are predicting

[Poison]

Someone needs to be there for him tbh, it would be one of the more depressing things for a young kid to ever have been involved in.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Poison Someone needs to be there for him tbh, it would be one of the more depressing things for a young kid to ever have been involved in.

Indeed BUT worringly it seems like he is surrounded by shady characters

Afridi and YK to the rescue

[zimran72]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Makes no sense My point is if he deep down felt he wasnt doing anything bad then its not the biggest crime in the world - not saying he should not be punished BUT if he has been naive then we can understand and maybe his career isnt over as some are predicting

Let's be honest. He is young but not mentally challenged. He already knows he is selling his country to make some extra cash. That says enough about him. He has no attachment towards Pakistan and is playing to make quick money not for his country and not to win. The punishment should be so much that he never ever thinks of betraying his country again or preferably never gets the opportunity.

Although to be fair if you punish one then punish them all or better yet don't punish any and watch this happen for the next decade. Then we can watch this culture being passed onto the next generation of cricketers.

[Poison]

Originally Posted by zimran72 Let's be honest. He is young but not mentally challenged. He already knows he is selling his country to make some extra cash. That says enough about him. He has no attachment towards Pakistan and is playing to make quick money not for his country and not to win. The punishment should be so much that he never ever thinks of betraying his country again or preferably never gets the opportunity. Although to be fair if you punish one then punish them all or better yet don't punish any and watch this happen for the next decade. Then we can watch this culture being passed onto the next generation of cricketers.

The question remains whether he was involved in the money or not? If he didn't get any money I'd absolve him completely, it would become clear that he only did it on the instruction of Salman Butt.

[NJamal]

He should be punished and banned if proven guilty. If you let him go after proven guilty then he will become a monster in the future and will bring more shame and grief to the nation.

[zimran72]

Originally Posted by Poison The question remains whether he was involved in the money or not? If he didn't get any money I'd absolve him completely, it would become clear that he only did it on the instruction of Salman Butt.

Why wouldn't he receive money for it? If we are watching the likes of Wahab Riaz and Umar Amin get money to show us their talentless wonders then why wouldn't your strike bowler be getting money to under-perform or bowling no-balls.

Btw I think Mazhar mentions that four players are involved in these activities of which Mohammad Aamer is a part.

[Poison]

If we take Aamer at face value I don't think anyone thinks he'd ever intentionally do the things that are being implicated. Say that Majeed paid Butt to make sure Aamer bowled the no-balls, perhaps Aamer wasn't actually in on the act and simply acted on orders from his captain.