Asad Raza's Emergency Press Conference
Asad Raza: I feel dejected, gutted, and truly sorry to the fans for whatever happened. I am at a loss for words! I take complete responsibility that being the captain of a proud Cricketing nation, I should have done better. And knowing I won't be leading the side, which I built with utmost dedication and hard work, in the next game truly breaks my heart to pieces.
Let me make this crystal clear, I never was and will never be involved in fixing or corruption of any sort. It was just that I failed to report the approach, which I accept responsibility for. The PCB has given me a harsh punishment, but I accept it gracefully, and will not contest it as long as a fair re-investigation is launched. If not, let me again make this clear that I am not afraid of court proceedings, where my demands will get tough for the PCB to meet.
As I said, I believe the investigation has been a farce. It is beyond me how that cunning individual managed to escape the ACU, just because he announced "retirement" hours before the entire controversy. One apology and fine makes him fit enough to resume playing? Additionally, why did I receive the offer from Abdullah Abdullah as soon as a certain individual was benched? Why were the Afghan players benched as soon as a certain individual came into the XI? Why did all of this come up as soon as I won two series for my country and scored magnificent runs? Were they sleeping earlier? Why was it all over the media while I took a short nap? So many questions, which the ACU didn't bother to look into! These are clear signals for others to see, hinting at who was behind this, but alas, the investigation committee is blindfolded by those who managed to send the previous coaching staff home.
They had to make a scapegoat and they have succeeded in that twice now. I am pretty sure that this is a ploy from those jealous of my success, and I hope to reach the root cause of this.
I will now take a few questions.
Question 1: Asad, you just said 'they had to make a scapegoat and they have succeeded in that twice'. Who are you hinting towards? And which is their other success apart from your sacking?
Asad: Well, our head coach was sacked earlier too, just because some certain individuals were unhappy with the professionalism he brought in and how he refused to bow down to the mafia. Also, everyone in the management has been changed so far except the vice-captain. 4 individuals are incompetent, but the 5th who was always a part of the same setup descended from heaven?
Question 2: You were always adamant about a zero-tolerance policy regarding corrupt individuals in Cricket. You were against bringing Amir in when he took his retirement back. Now, even your teammates are criticizing your activities. Has karma come back to haunt you?
Asad: Excuse me, what? The report clearly mentions
'Asad having been cleared of match-fixing or spot-fixing' then may I please ask how anyone can accuse me of fixing? You and some of my friends on the Indian side might have to read with open eyes.
Journalist: I have a counter-question; if you were cleared of match-fixing, then why were you sacked in the first place? Was the evidence that you provided not good enough?
Asad: I suppose you are better off asking this from those in charge of this decision. I provided bank guarantees and even gave my phone to the PCB ACU Chief Officer. When they could find nothing, their sole evidence was 'intent to corrupt'. If I may ask, can the ACU read my mind? I just failed to report the approach, that is it. I believe that I have been trapped, through some sort of a secret ploy. And it breaks my heart to see nobody console me, except my dedicated fans.
Even though the punishment has been harsh, I am not requesting any leniency, rather a fairer investigation and the same process to be used for everyone.
Question 3: Was there a lack of communication between you and the PCB CEO?
Asad: With all due respect, I must say I wasn't even informed of the decision the PCB hierarchy had taken. I would have easily stepped down if asked to, but they had to make a mockery of Pakistan Cricket. I believe that answers your question.
Question 4: We have heard that you sacked your manager? Could you bother to confirm or deny it and perhaps share the reason?
Asad: Your sources are right, I am afraid. Well, the reason is confidential but all I can say is that I found evidence of my manager being linked to the corrupt offers presented to me. So I had to cancel my contract with him. I shall reveal more details at the right time to the right people...
But one thing is certain, if that evidence is found to be true, there is another episode yet to unfold.
Last question guys!
Last Question: Now that this episode is done & dusted, are you looking forward to competing with India in the 2nd ODI? The series looks evenly poised, and I am sure your fans are looking forward to seeing you on the field.
Asad: The episode might be done & dusted from their perspective, but I will not back down until a fair investigation is launched. And as I said earlier, if needed, I am not afraid of court proceedings. If the situation reaches courts, my demands will get tough for the PCB and the current management to meet. I am a firm believer that the evidence will also lead to my victory!
To answer your question, frankly, the ODI series is not at the top of the priority list right now. I will have a chat with the management and the newly-appointed skipper to see if it is worth it for me to return to that dressing room after the way I was ousted. The situation isn't ideal for me to come back as a player. Plus, I have a few offers on the table which I should be able to reply to soon. I hope to come to a decision before the next game. Nevertheless, I can assure my fans that whatever decision I will take, it will be for the benefit of the country, and my personal mental peace.
Lastly, I would like to wish the best of luck to
@RUDI. I am sure he will do a fine job as the skipper. A piece of friendly advice for him; he must be conscious of the dressing room's hunger for sackings. Hopefully, it should have come to an end, but I would love to see some get a taste of their own medicine...
Thank you!
