PCB ‘concerned’ over fixing allegations

LAHORE: With the team facing suspicions of spot-fixing in the recently concluded One-day International series against the West Indies, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came out with a short press release, ensuring it will maintain its zero-tolerance policy to deal with it if any thing went wrong. “PCB is obviously extremely concerned at the recent allegations of fixing reported in the media with regard to the recently concluded ODI series between Pakistan and West Indies. PCB maintains zero-tolerance towards corruption in the game but investigations in this matter falls within the purview of ICC's Anti Corruption and Security Unit. PCB is in contact with ICC on this issue. The PCB at the moment is examining all legal aspects but for the time being will not be making any further comments,” the PCB statement said. Moreover, an ICC spokesman told Dawn: “The ICC never makes comments on matters relating to its Anti-corruption Unit.” English tabloid Daily Mail published a story in its Sunday edition in which the attitude of both the teams in accelerating and decelerating the pace of the game were linked to suspicious betting patterns. The latest report follows a similar story by another tabloid News of the World in 2010 which led to a trio of Pakistan players — Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif — being jailed for their role in a spot-fixing scandal during the Lord’s Test against England.