Reprieve for Akhtar and Asif likely outcome

From what I am reading, it seems like the verdict for tomorrows appeal process is likely to be in favor of the banned Pakistani bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif. Most of the media reports and rumors seem to be pointing towards a reduction of the ban. I am genuinely surprised about this and I posted an article from the rumor mill a few days ago. From cricketzone.com...

...one of the members of the appeal committee Haseeb Ahsan said he was impressed with the way the bowlers presented their argument which gave the panel a new perspective in the case.

Whatever perspective the lawyers presented must have been pretty strong and pretty unique. Though these reports say that the ban might be reduced, according to their sources, the ban will not be lifted. From thenews.com.pk...

The committee which also includes doping expert Dr Danish Zaheer has taken a longer time to decide the case than expected but Haseeb said that such important issues cannot be dealt with in a hurry. “It is a matter of national importance and we wanted to give the players a fair chance to defend themselves,” he said.

Haseeb said that “personally he has reached the conclusion that the players did not get such a fair chance” during the proceedings of the inquiry tribunal last month.

“The lawyers of the two players especially Abid Minto who is representing Shoaib Akhtar have really fought the case well and several new points were raised during the proceedings of this committee which are quite important,” said Haseeb without revealing anything more.

There is no doubt that if this ban were to be reduced, it would aid Pakistan greatly. However, I think a reduction makes the entire process a complete mockery. Why did these players not hire hotshot lawyers in the first place? Was there not enough time? If the players were not adequately represented, then who's fault is that?

The evidence and the bottom line, as far as the public understands it, is that these two players doped up. They took a banned substance, which is illegal. The ban was harsh, yet fair and it was accepted by most. Though the players have a right to an appeal, I am not sure what could be so different now that it lets them off with a lighter punishment.

If Shoaib and Asif do get a lighter sentence, then the PCB and the appeals committee better have some really good reasons for it. If we let our star bowlers off the hook on this one, the international cricketing community is not going to let this one go easily. Will they accept this second verdict? This reprieve? They will have a hard time swallowing the fact that the PCB has succumbed to public pressure and reinstated the offending players. In fact, the ICC might even have a say in this matter and conduct their own dope tests. Nothing has been set in stone yet and I am just thinking out aloud, but I just hope the people in charge are considering all options thoroughly.