Pakistan cricket embroiled in fixing scandal again

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

* Allegations of fixing lead to tourists cancelling pre-game practice, closing dressing room

* Zardari promises any players found guilty will be ‘severely punished’

LONDON: Pakistan’s heaviest-ever Test defeat ended in surreal circumstances at Lord’s on Sunday when newspaper allegations of fixing led to the tourists cancelling pre-game practice and closing their dressing room, while the traditional on-field trophy presentations took place away from the gaze of paying spectators.

Police questioned Pakistani players on Saturday night after the News of the World alleged that Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Amir ad been paid to deliberately bowl no-balls during Thursday’s opening day of the fourth Test that England went on to win by an innings and 225 runs. Pakistan cancelled the squad’s customary practice in favour of a pep talk, kept its balcony door closed throughout Sunday’s 96 minutes of play and took part in trophy presentations in the Long Room at Lord’s, rather than on the field in full view of fans to avoid the tourists being jeered.

Team manager Yawar Saeed was to meet with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt later on Sunday to discuss how best to deal with the allegations, but said he expects the team to fulfil its remaining fixtures of two Twenty20 matches and five one-day internationals.

“Obviously, we are not delighted,” Saeed said. “We are sad and there were very sober feelings in the dressing room. Allegations are only one thing. They are all serious, whether they are small or big. Let us see what happens.”

“I honestly think the best thing is to let the dust settle,” England captain Andrew Strauss said. Saeed said Asif, Amir and captain Salman Butt had their mobile phones confiscated by police, who also searched hotel rooms as part of an investigation. Any player found guilty of involvement in match fixing faces a life ban from the sport.

The News of the World says it secretly filmed its undercover reporters, posing as front-men for a Far East gambling cartel, in discussion with a man it identifies as London-based businessman Mazhar Majeed, who appears to accept 150,000 pounds to make sure no-balls were bowled at certain times during the match.

The newspaper says it has passed all its evidence to the police and quoted Majeed as saying that up to seven players in the Pakistan team could be “bought” for cash, AP reported.

Promise: Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his disappointment at the claims and promised that any player found guilty would be severely punished, AFP reported.

If wrongdoing was proven, “all the players involved must forget to play for Pakistan in future”, the president’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar said. Also, Asif Bajwa, the mentor and coach of Muhammad Amir, rejected the allegations.

Meanwhile, the PCB has requested British police give them access to the betting investigation, adding that both the country’s president and prime minister will be kept informed.

“The PCB has requested the British Foreign Office to allow access for the Pakistan High Commission and the PCB to the ongoing investigation after the arrest of the British businessman of Asian origin for conspiracy to defraud bookmakers,” a statement said. agencies