Cricket Update: Pakistan Cricketer, Kaneria released of spot-fixing allegations
Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has been released of the spot-betting allegations by the Essex Police. Kaneria’s lawyer Furqan Anwar revealed on Wednesday that he has been cleared by the police, as they could not find any proof to support match fixing allegations.
"The police have cleared Danish as they didn't find any concrete evidence to support the allegations," said Kaneria’s lawyer Furqan Anwar.
Kaneria, who has represented Pakistan cricket team in 61 Test matches claiming 261 wickets, was arrested in May earlier this year, together with his Essex partner Mervyn Westfield. Both Danish Kaneria and Mervyn Westfield were alleged of placing bets on their Pro-40 match against Durham last September. The alleged-duo was later released on bail without blame awaiting further investigations.
Kaneria, the highest paid player ever signed by Essex, categorically denied his involvement in the scandal stressing that he had always been focused towards his game and has played his cricket honestly.
“My cricketing career is completely unstained and I'm surprised at such allegations,” said Kaneria, a 29-year-old legspinner, who has 58 Test caps for Pakistan over the last 10 years.
The enquiry revolved around Essex’s Pro40 victory against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Durham-c782 in the last season. Both the players were alleged of bowling some intentional wides and no-balls in that match.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Essex-c783 Police has confirmed that 29-years-old Danish Kaneria has been cleared from charges, while his teammate Mervyn Westfield still remains on bail until September 15th.
"Essex police can confirm that a 29-year-old man from Chelmsford has been released from bail in connection with an investigation into cricket-match irregularities. A 22-year-old man, also from Chelmsford, remains on bail until 15 September," read a police statement.
After the spot-betting allegations, leg-spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Danish-Kaneria-c1314 and pacer Mervyn Westfield had both received letters from the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) that informed them that their registrations with the teams would remain suspended, while the investigation by Essex Police continues. The letters of suspension were issued by the ECB's registration rather than disciplinary department.
Kaneria started the current season with Essex as overseas player before joining the national team of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 touring England. The prolific leg-spinner was dropped after the first Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham for his disappointing performance in the match. Kaneria’s final figures in the match were 1 for 171. The visitors faced their second biggest margin defeat against England, 354 runs. The embarrassment resulting Danish Kaneria’s drop from the rest of series with a statement “the selection committee can call Kaneria back if felt.”
After his axing from Pakistan squad, Essex management resigned the leg-spinner for its final day of Friends Provident T20. His alleged team-mate, Mervyn Westfield, however, was released by the county last month.
Danish Kaneria was the first Pakistani to be questioned by the English investigation agency http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Scotland-c756 Yards for alleged spot-fixing. The menace has hit the headlines once again a week before following the News of the World sting that claimed Pakistani players are involved in spot fixing. The issue was raised during Pakistan’s 4th and last Test of the England tour at Lord’s. The article published in the News of the World on Sunday 29th August had claimed that Pakistani bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif – one of the world’s best new-ball pair – was paid for bowling three deliberate no balls. It has led to the suspension of the three players allegedly at the centre of the spot-fixing controversy including Test skipper Salman Butt and the new ball pair 18 years old Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.
For the first time in the history of cricket, the International Cricket Council has used its power of suspension.
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