Amongst the very first and most emergent step that has been taken is to introduce a revised code of conduct for its players in line with the recommendations made by the International Cricket Council for stricter implementation of anti-corruption laws.

Pakistan’s squad must sign the new code before leaving for a Twenty20, one-day and Test series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates later this month.

There is a lot more stress on creating awareness among players about anti-corruption laws and regulations. They obviously do not want a repeat of what happened in England.

All that is fine but just not enough to prevent Pakistan’s likely expulsion. The ICC wants the present PCB chief Ejaz Butt to come out of the present imbroglio that has brought ICC’s ire on it. Even in the cricket circles in Pakistan, there is a growing opposition to Butt’s continuance as the PCB chief. The man himself is not helping any by insisting on seeking another term, which expires by the end of the month.

Butt’s worst critic is Wasim Akram, who puts the blame for Pakistan cricket’s loss of face entirely on this high official. When several players were suspended and heavily fine after the Australian tour, it was Butt who canceled all the suspensions, grossly reduced the fines and brought all these players back, three of them have now been suspended by the ICC.

What is worse is that Ijaz Butt made an off-the-cuff remark that several England player were involved in match fixing and that not a single Pakistani was guilty. This remark not only put the cricket but even government officials in an embarrassing position. It is really hard to know who are the people who are backing Butt for a second term in office.

Meanwhile, the ICC ultimatum ends on Nov. 15. Will PCB be able to satisfy the ICC with earnest action to cleanse its cricket. On paper, the PCB faces expulsion, a fate that South Africa faced in 1970 and Zimbabwe in 2006. South Africa’s expulsion was unanimous and it was for apartheid practiced by that country. Zimbabwe was penalized for political fall-out and as such, the suspension did not last long. Pakistan’s case is different.

It needs 75 percent votes of the full members to expel a member-country. Pakistan can be rest assured that the ICC will not be able to muster that kind of majority. The Asian bloc, led by India, has four members. This group has the backing of South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe. Only three full members, Australia, England and New Zealand will, if at all, vote against Pakistan.

That however is no reason for Pakistan to sit smug. It needs to do a lot to improve its image so that Pakistan can once again takes its place amongst the top teams of the world.