Why PCB, ICC not willing to allow Saleem Malik’s return to cricket?

• The right-hander was given a life ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for match-fixing in 2000, which was lifted in 2008 by a Civil Court in Lahore.

Former Pakistan Test cricketer Saleem Malik won’t be allowed to return to cricketing fraternity until he responds to notice issued to him in 2013, PTI reported on Saturday.

The cricket, who was banned for life in 2000 on the recommendations of the Justice Qayyum report, was asked to clarify the purpose of various meetings he participated in after his ban in 2000, the agency citing its sources reported.

“Malik, to date, has not responded to the notice and that is why the PCB and ICC are not willing to give any clear statement on why Malik is not allowed to engage in any cricket activities,” the source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The report suggest, following the ban, the cricket had some meetings in UK, the transcripts of which were obtained by the ICC and which raised doubts over the purpose of these meetings.

The source further claimed that the PCB had initially taken a softer approach, on the matter, before the International Cricket Council (ICC) intervened.

“The Board, with change of management, took it easy on Malik after the decision by the lower court but when the ICC brought the matter of the meetings to their notice, he is again persona non grata in Pakistan cricket circles,” the source said.

Earlier, the 57-year-old had requested PCB chairman Ehsan Mani to consider him for coaching role, as his experience could be valuable for young cricketers.

He questioned why he couldn’t be brought back despite the recent comebacks made by players such as fast-bowler Mohammad Amir and batsmen Sharjeel Khan and Salman Butt.

The right-hander was given a life ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for match-fixing in 2000, which was lifted in 2008 by a Civil Court in Lahore.