In a surprise move, Pakistan cricket authorities have confirmed that former world snooker champion, John Higgins is in the frame for a call up to the Pakistan cricket team. Higgins has today been cleared of all match-fixing allegations made against him by the News of the World. However, at a hearing in London he admitted bringing the game into disrepute by not reporting the illegal approach made to him to discuss throwing frames. As a result, the three-time world champion was fined £75,000 and banned for six months.
Pakistan's head of communications, Hasan Majid, said, "Although, Mr Higgins has been cleared of any wrong doing, nevertheless he has shown potential in not reporting illegal approaches by bookmakers. This is a quality we value and we are assured that given time he will develop into a top star for us." Commenting on the differences between the two sports, Mr Majid said, "That is hardly the issue, frankly we wouldn't mind if Mr Higgins went into the middle with his snooker cue instead of a bat. The question of character is more important and the fact that he is 'open for business' is encouraging for us."
