Asif submits written apology to PCB, agrees to cooperate

Disgraced Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif took a step further towards his rehabilitation when he subamitted a written apology to the Cricket Board (PCB) and also agreed to cooperate with authorities on the spot-fixing issue. 

The 30-year old fast bowler, who is serving a seven year ban (two of them suspended) for spot-fixing, met with PCB officials and its anti-corruption unit yesterday in Lahore. 

A PCB official confirmed that Asif had given a written apology and consented to cooperate with all inquiries. 

"He also said that he is ready to undergo all education and rehabilitation programs set for him by the PCB and ICC in order to show his intent to reform," the official said. Asif had last week confessed for the first time about his involvement in spot-fixing during the infamous fourth Test against England at Lord's in 2010. 

Asif, former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Aamir were all banned by the ICC in early 2011 after being found guilty of spot-fixing on the 2010 tour to England. 

The trio later also served different jail sentences in the United Kingdom after being found guilty of cheating and corruption by a crown court. All three have now confessed to spot-fixing and apologised to the countrymen for bringing Pakistan cricket into disrepute. Asif told reporters he was very happy after the meeting. 

"It is a weight off my shoulders for now because I want to show everybody that I am ready to rehabilitate and undergo a change," he said. 

"I have told the PCB I am read to cooperate with them in every way and also ready to attend any education or rehabilitation program they or the ICC outline for me." 

Asif said he had taken these steps in a bid to get rid of the stigma surrounding him and also to work with the authorities to keep the game corruption free.