Gulf News readers calm on PCB decision

Dubai: Fines and bans have been issued to several players of the Pakistan cricket team for their dismal performance in the recent series against Australia.

Gulf News readers, of Pakistani origin, seemed pretty calm after hearing about the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision.

Mohammad Ebrahim, who works for a trading company, is a passionate follower of the game and believes the decision was fair.

He said: "What the players did was wrong. It's good that the PCB took some action.

"At least the players will not take the game or the PCB for granted and will avoid indulging in such acts in the future."

Recently, in the news for ball tampering, Shahid Afridi has been fined Rs3 million (Dh130,356). Ebrahim said: "Shahid Afridi only got banned for two T20 matches for his mistake. In most cases, people are given harsher punishments."

Regardless of the PCB's decision, Ebrahim is sure that the Pakistani team will be able to defend their title in the upcoming T20 Championship.

"The team has been steeped in controversy for the past two years. Yet, they continue to play well," he said.

Sarah Shaikh, who works for an accountancy firm, has similar views.

She said: "I think PCB's decision will teach the players to never repeat the mistakes again, or behave badly in the future."

However, Shaikh is worried that it might affect the team's performance: "I am a strong supporter, but I was ashamed by the team's actions so my level of support may vary. If the team and their followers are not united, it may have negative consequences."

Rashid Pasha, a regional marketing manager, thinks the decision may have been a bit harsh: "If PCB has the proof, then their decision is justified. But they went overboard with the value of the fines.

"If the International Cricket Council did not take such a tough stand, the PCB should have issued reasonable punishment to reprimand the players, too."

"The team has been steeped in controversy for the past two years. Yet, they continue to play well," says Mohammad Ebrahim.

Rashid Pasha thinks the decision may have been a bit harsh. He said: "If PCB has the proof, then their decision is justified. But they went overboard with the value of the fines."