Disgraced Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif today publicly confessed to his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal during the Lord's Test and tendered an unconditional apology to the countrymen for his actions.
Nearly three years after he was handed a seven-year ban by the ICC from any form of cricket, the 30-year-old fast bowler admitted to his guilt for the first time
"I accept the punishment from the ICC tribunal in 2011. I apologise for my actions that have brought disrespect to my beloved country, to the millions of fans in Pakistan and in the world. When I look back at the events of my career, I feel very sorry," Asif said during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club here.
Asif along with pace partner Mohammad Aamir and then-captain Salman Butt were banned by the ICC for agreeing to bowl deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lord's Test against England in 2010.
An anti-corruption tribunal of the ICC banned Butt for 10 years with five suspended, Asif for seven years with two suspended and Aamir for five years.
"I request all the players who want to represent their country that they must keep away from all sorts of corruption," Asif said.
"I am ready to help any player who wants to avoid such pitfalls. I will duly cooperate with the ICC, its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) and with the PCB, in fighting corruption in the game," he added.
