I have not received any notice from PCB, ICC: Saleem Malik

Pakistan’s former Test cricketer Saleem Malik, in a teleconference on Tuesday, claimed that he had not received any notice from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The 57-year-old, who was banned for life in 2000 due to involvement in match-fixing on the recommendations of the Justice Qayyum Report, reiterated that he was cleared by a Lahore Civil Court in 2008.

“I am surprised at how my apology was presented. I had not apologised for match-fixing but for unintentionally making the fans unhappy. In 2008, both the PCB and the court had decided that I was not guilty,” said Malik. “I have not received any notices from either the ICC or the PCB till date. If the PCB contacts me with regards to my meetings in London, which are currently being talked about, I am ready to provide an explanation.”

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Malik questioned why he was being treated differently than other players who were allowed to hold jobs in the PCB and continue coaching after being named in the Justice Qayyum Report.

“According to the Justice Qayyum Report, players that paid their fines are now working in the PCB or coaching. Why am I being treated like a stepson even after being cleared?  I feel like I am not a citizen of this country. I think someone, who played with me, might have gotten hurt which is why I am being treated this way,” he said.

Earlier, according to sources, PCB wants Malik to respond to the notice issued to him regarding his suspicious meetings.

“Malik, to date, has not responded to the notice and that is why the PCB and ICC are not willing to give any clear statement on why Malik is not allowed to engage in any cricket activities,” the source told Press Trust of India (PTI) on conditions of anonymity.