Dambulla, June 16 (IANS) Pakistani player Mohammed Aamer was given a clean chit by International Cricket Council (ICC) Wednesday after television footage suggested that the fast bowler was talking on a cellphone while waiting to bat against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.
ICC anti-corruption rules don’t allow players to take phones into the dressing room.
Pakistani TV channels picked up on footage from the game which showed Aamer sitting in the dressing room balcony with a helmet on and with one hand to his right ear, appearing to be talking to someone while waiting to bat.
The ICC confirmed that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), after thorough a thorough investigation, had cleared Aamer.
‘The ACSU has thoroughly investigated the alleged breach, including speaking to the relevant people involved, and is satisfied that there is no evidence of Mohammad Aamer making use of a mobile phone while sitting in the dressing room yesterday (June 15) during the match against Sri Lanka at Dambulla,’ the ICC said.
‘Although the very short video clips that are publicly available could mislead viewers into thinking he was holding on to a cell phone and speaking to someone, upon closer scrutiny, the fact emerges that Mohammad was actually holding on to the front grill of his helmet, adjusting it, and at the same time making a comment to his team manager, Yawar Saeed, seated to his immediate left.’
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), too, vehemently denied the allegation.
‘There was no conversation on a mobile. Players were talking amongst themselves. We have cleared it with ICC,’ PCB manager Yawar Saeed said.
‘Cell phones are not allowed under ICC and PCB rules, and as such, are always collected by the security manager from every member of the squad except the manager.
‘Aamer was next to go in to bat and he was sitting next to the team manager along with the other members of the team in the viewing area talking. Aamer had his hand on his helmet which has been interpreted out of context,’ Saeed said.
