Age no defence for Aamer, says Pakistan official

Pakistan associate manager Shafqat Rana said on Monday that teenage quick Mohammad Aamer’s age should have no effect on any Possible punishment if spot-fixing claims against the 18-year-old were proved. “I think it should be the same with everybody, if he breaks the law,” Rana told reporters at Sophia Gardens here on Monday where Pakistan play the second of two Twenty20 internationals against England on Tuesday. Rana, asked “even if he (Aamer) is so young?”, replied: “It doesn’t matter. “They (cricket fans in Pakistan) want everything in the best spirit of the game.” His remarks came just a day after International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: “In my own honest personal view, yes I would think age would come into account in these matters. “But that is something the independent tribunal will have to decide upon.” Meanwhile Rana also welcomed a reported probe into players’ finances by the Pakistani tax authorities. “I think it is a good thing from the Pakistan government. It was there in their (the government’s) mind before we came over. I think it’s a good thing, it will open things out so they (the players) will be very careful.” Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s one-day captain, added: “It should be done and it’s good for cricket.” The two sides met again in the first Twenty20 international here on Sunday, which World Twenty20 champions England won by five wickets.