Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Salim Malik, serving life ban from the Pakistan Cricket Board for his alleged role in 2000 match-fixing scandal, has resumed his legal battle to get his name cleared once for all after witnessing the Shoaib Akhtar-ban episode.

"I think now is the right time to fight afresh and prove my innocence. Why can't my ban be reviewed? Look what is happening. Even Shoaib Akhtar has had his ban suspended," Malik said.

Malik's appeal has been heard twice in recent weeks by the high court and the next hearing is scheduled on May 19.

Malik said he was confident a decision would be taken soon and he would be vindicated and proven innocent.

"My appeal in the court has gone through various stages since 2002 but hearings were not held regularly for different reasons. Now the appeal is being heard regularly and I am confident of some good news," Malik said.

The 45-year-old player played 103 Tests and 283 one-day internationals before he was banned by the Board on the recommendations of the Justice (retd) Malik Qayyum match fixing inquiry judicial commission in 2000.

Malik said he was not pursuing his legal battle because he wanted to play cricket again at any level.

"I still believe that I can contribute something to Pakistan cricket in different capacities and this can only be possible if this ban goes," he said.

Malik has voiced his interest in launching his own cricket academy in Lahore but was stopped from doing so by the Board because of the ban.

 

Source : PTI