PCB calls for World Cup match-fixing probe
The Pakistan Cricket Board has asked the country's president to order a judicial
investigation into allegations of Pakistani involvement in
match-fixing during last year's World Cup.
''The chairman of the PCB Tauqir Zia has requested the
patron of the PCB to order a judicial inquiry into the
allegations of betting, gambling and match-fixing concerning
the World Cup 1999 matches of Pakistan against India and
Bangladesh,'' said a PCB statement released late Monday night.
The PCB patron, Pakistan President Mohammad Rafiq Tarar,
has not commented on the request.
Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 61 runs in a first-round match
in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, while India
defeated their arch-rivals by 47 runs at Old Trafford in a
Super Six stage game, prompting critics at home to call for an
investigation.
Pakistan still reached the final of the tournament played
in England, but lost by eight wickets to Australia.
It was the most one-sided loss in the 24-year history of
the competition and led to accusations of indiscipline against
Pakistani players as well as allegations of match-fixing from
fans and local media.
The latest call for an inquiry comes after another judicial
investigation into possible corruption in the Pakistani game
recommended that a number of Test players be either fined or
banned.
UNI
Mail Cricket Editor