PakPassion.net writes what February 5, 2011 holds for Pakistan Cricket fan's and Pakistan Cricket itself.

 by Saj Sadiq

02 January 2011

The 5th February promises for some to be a normal Saturday, a bit of shopping, some time with the family, perhaps watch some football and then enjoy a nice meal during the evening.

However Saturday 5th February will be a day that will live long in the memory of every cricket fan, wherever you are. Its a day that will be etched on the minds of Pakistani fans probably for as long as they live.

Pakistan cricket has over the years seen some terrible moments, the Qayyum investigation, player confrontations, player power, revolts against captains, match fixing accusations against team mates, players banned, drug allegations and the list could go on. However this Saturday will be a day that may bring many Pakistani cricket fans to tears.

The careers of three very talented, gifted and mercurial cricketers is at stake and their future careers are in the hands of three judges appointed by the ICC. 

Pakistani fans have reacted in different ways since the whole spot fixing story broke. Some have tried to turn a blind eye to the story and have assumed innocence for all three players. Other fans have assumed guilt for the players as soon as the story broke, others have waited for the evidence to come out before making an informed decision, whilst some have quite literally been shocked and saddened by the story.

What has been saddening though is the reaction of some fans who have quite literally celebrated the suspensions of the three players, simply due to the fact that they weren't amongst their list of favourite players. 

Make no mistake, this is not a time to celebtrate, this is not a time to mock, this is not a time to gloat. This is a time to be saddened by what has been going on.

Cricketers are meant to be seen on the field of play, doing what they do best, entertaining their millions of fans, not meant to be seen going in and out of courtrooms. It was heartbreaking and extremely sad to see Asif, Amir and Salman being accompanied by legal representatives, instead of walking alongside team mates. 

From a personal perspective it's extremely difficult to see guys that I have got to know, in such dire straits. This is not how it was meant to be ! These boys should be in New Zealand at the moment preparing for the World Cup, they should not be sat at home waiting for an outcome that could in theory "terminate" their livelihood.

Regarding the hearing, the problem I have with it is that exactly how "neutral" is it? How can a trial that has had it's judges hand
picked and chosen actually be neutral. How can a judge who has already gone through the evidence and not allowed a delay to the hearing, be deemed as neutral and in a position to oversee the actual hearing!

Asif has been very reserved throughout the whole saga. Hardly a squeek to the press and he has maintained a silence that is commendable. But is that silence of a man who has accepted his fate and knows that his fate is sealed? Asif has had prior "issues" of course and is the only one of the three players who has "previous" on his disciplinary record.

Amir is a young man who I got to know last summer. A cheeky young man whose smile was never far away. A young man who liked a joke, as much as he liked a test wicket. A young man whose future was as bright as any shining star in the sky. A young man whose innocence and naivety was refreshing. A young man who just wanted to have fun and play cricket.

Having spoken to Amir a few times since the spot fixing allegations, it's clear that I don't think he has realised just how serious this matter is. I'm sure the whole issue must be rather confusing for him and perhaps he thinks he can walk away from this either scott free or with a light punishment. 

Amir's age and inexperience could lead to some leniency, but of the three are given life bans, then Amir is the one with most to lose.

Salman was the picture of pride last year when Pakistan levelled the test series versus Australia in his first test match as captain. He led the team well and Pakistan fans thought that they had found a man who could lead the test team for years to come.

An individual who faced the media head on and didn't shirk the difficult questions in press conferences....until that press conference at Lords with Yawar Saeed, where he looked like a broken man.

Salman is another of the accused who I got to know quite well last year and have kept in touch with. I was really impressed with his attitude and how he led the team and the image he portrayed as skipper.

Whenever I have spoken to Salman he's always sounded positive about the hearing. Even today he said "InshAllah we'll get the good news on Saturday", only time will tell if its good news for him or not.

Whether he's been advised well or not by his legal representatives is open to question and Salman has been the player who has presented a rather aggressive attitude towards the ICC and the hearing.

Whatever the outcome, Saturday 5th February is not a day to celebrate, rather a day for those that administrate the game and play the game to ensure that this does not happen again and for those that love the game to shed a tear or two.