Former India batsman Aaksah Chopra jumped to the defence of Mohammad Hafeez after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hit back at the all-rounder over his comments on the return of Sharjeel Khan.
Aakash Chopra said he, like Mohammad Hafeez, feels strongly about players who return after serving bans for spot-fixing and match-fixing. Chopra said he doesn’t think it’s right of cricket boards to give them a second chance, especially when it comes to returning to international cricket.
Aakash Chopra’s comments came after Mohammad Hafeez took to social media to question Sharjeel Khan’s return.
“Shouldn’t we set Standards of Dignity & Pride Higher than any other “Extra Talent” to represent Pakistan,” Hafeez had written on Twitter in response to a fan’s question on Sharjeel.
Notably, Sharjeel was handed a 5-year ban by the PCB for his role in a corruption scandal in the Pakistan Super League in 2017 but his suspension was lifted in 2019.
“Let Hafeez speak, he’s making a good point. These days, people don’t speak out on this topic, which is an issue. This is talking sense & asked a very simple question that what’s more important, dignity or special talent. If you lose dignity, then it’s a serious issue,” Aakash Chopra said in his YouTube channel.
“I am very strong when it comes to where we should be. Show the door for match-fixers and spot fixers. Give them a second chance somewhere else, not in the sport.
“It’s important to maintain the sanctity of the sport and for that, you need to set the right example. Hafeez, professor, I am with you brother. Please speak your heart. PCB, please revisit the policy.”
