PCB fumes as ICC investigate Oval ODI
The latest round of spot and match fixing allegations have irked Pakistan Cricket Board no ends as they take a swipe at the governing body of cricket, the International Cricket Council, for not taking their full member Board into
confidence.
The media department of the national Board released a press statement where PCB expressed their disappointment at ICC’s attitude and haste in making the allegations public.
Following is the press release that was circulated by PCB following the claims by a British paper, The Sun, that the period between the 38th and 40th over of Pakistani innings was spot fixed.
“Pakistan Cricket Board is extremely perturbed by the recent allegations of corruption in the 3rd ODI between England and Pakistan.
PCB regrets the way these allegations have been handled as being a full member of ICC it only came to know through media that investigations will be conducted by ICC. PCB feels that ICC should repose more confidence in its members.
PCB further condemns sensationalizing of these allegations which are harming cricket in general and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 in particular.
The ICC has been requested by PCB through its counsel to furnish more details into these allegations.
“PCB maintains a zero tolerance approach towards corruption and will continue to provide all assistance in the investigations.”
Later in a scathing interview for a local TV channel the legal advisor of PCB Taffazul Rizvi, admonished the governing body of the game for its actions adding that the ICC’s Anti Corruption Unit should be establishing its writ
rather than following up on leads from British tabloids who have a tainted reputation and are not considered anything more than gossip mongers.
He added that it was surprising that the ICC was probing the batting period of Pakistan in the match that they won, rather than investigating the sensational collapse of the English team that led to the win.
The hosts were well placed at 201/5 in the 38th over chasing 242 for a win; at this stage Pakistani pacer Umar Gul produced a brilliant spell of reverse swing and accounted for four wickets in three overs. The last wicket
was taken by Abdur Razzaq, as the hosts crashed to 218 runs in the 46th over of the wicket.
The legal advisor added that while the governing body of the game had a right to investigate any game it has the responsibility to inform its member boards especially full members like PCB who have a long association with the body.
He maintained that the PCB has a zero tolerance on corruption yet it does not mean that it starts punishing its players without hardcore evidence and whim and fancy of tabloids who might have an agenda to defame Pakistan Cricket.
Remarking on the work of the Anti Corruption and Security Unit, Taffazul reiterated that the bodies needs to pull its weight and depend more on its team of officials and investigators who are competent enough to get to the depth
of any corrupt practice.
It is pertinent to add here that the ICC and PCB have been at loggerheads in recent months, the ongoing scandal has further rocked a volatile relationship that seems to be going down the path of destruction especially for the beleaguered
PCB.
To add to that, Chairman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ijaz-Butt-c64128 and his administration’s woes speculation is rife that the government is contemplating a change in the leadership of the Board.
Former test captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zaheer-Abbas-c98435 is expected to take over the reins as soon as the match and spot fixing scandal subsides, however it remains to be seen if the Asian Bradman is capable of pulling PCB out of the mire.
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