Pakistan match-fixing probe seeks more time

The World Cup inquiry commission in Pakistan has asked for an extension of one month from the government to wind up its probe and submit its report.

The commission, headed by Justice Karamat Bhandari of the Lahore High Court, has been investigating since September allegations that Pakistan played fixed matches against Bangladesh and India in the last World Cup in England.

"The commission has asked for an extension up to January 31 to complete its work and report," legal adviser Asghar Haider told Reuters on Wednesday.

"It is still hopeful of getting a response from Dr Ali Bacher, who first made the allegations of the matches being fixed," said Haider, who is representing the Pakistan cricket board in the inquiry.

Dr Bacher, the former managing director of the South African cricket union, has failed to respond to two letters from the commission asking him to give a statement and share with it in person any information he might have on the matches.

"The commission has more or less interviewed most of the required witnesses. But in the course of its one month extension, if it requires it can call more witnesses," said Haider.

Former chief executive of the Pakistan board, Majid Khan, has told the commission that the allegations had substance, while former fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz has also claimed that Pakistan players were involved in fixing the two matches.

Ex-Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail, who appeared before the commission at its last hearing, said that match-fixing allegations needed to be looked into.

But Pakistan players Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Inzamamul Haq, Moin Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed have all denied the allegations.

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Also read:
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- 'I'm still there; those who accused me are not' - Interview with W Akram
- Imran names Indian who knew too much about-match-fixing
- Pakistan inquiry finds 'no planned match-fixing'
- Pakistan summons big names for match-fixing inquiry

Mail Cricket Editor