Pakistan Cricket Board tells Mickey Arthur to prove allegations
The under-fire Pakistan Cricket Board has demanded former South African coach http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mickey-Arthur-c1969 proves the allegations of match-fixing he made against the Pakistan team.
In an interview to South African website News24 the former coach claimed that he suspected some foul play by the Asian team when South Africa were facing Pakistan in an ODI back in 2007 in Lahore.
"I have to admit that I felt something was not right during that game. There was a strong inkling of match-fixing. Honestly, that took away some of the sheen from the series win. We did not have any evidence
as such. However, the fact is that when you have been part of the game for a certain period of time, you get an inkling when something is wrong,” said the website, quoting Arthur.
The allegations might get Arthur into some serious trouble. The PCB has come out with a statement revealing that they have sent a legal notice to the former South African coach, asking him to back up his
allegations with requisite proof.
"If he (Arthur) is unable to substantiate his claims now, the PCB as well as the Pakistani players will have the right to initiate legal proceedings against Arthur. And, this will not be restricted only
to asking for an unconditional apology, but we will claim damages as well, apart from demanding him to withdraw the controversial remarks. The Pakistan Cricket Board follows the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption in the game and we will look at any
news which pertains to our players, giving it greatest importance and treat it utmost care," the statement read.
Meanwhile out of favour Shoaib Malik who led the side in that controversial game back in 2007 has aggressively dismissed the allegations of match-fixing.
"It is a really stupid remark to say the least. And if he found something fishy back then, why has he suddenly woken up after all these years?” questioned the former Pakistan captain, who will lead Pakistan
in the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hong-Kong-c2919 Sixes.
Pakistan lost that match in question as a result of a dramatic batting collapse to hand South Africa a 3-2 series triumph. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 made 233 for nine in their 50 overs while batting first. In reply
Pakistan looked favourites to clinch the series at 149 for two, only to slump to 219 all out. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 lost their last eight wickets for a mere 70 runs and enabled South Africa to walk away with a 14-run win.
Pakistan cricket is currently in the midst of a grave crisis following the spot-fixing allegations levelled against three of their players; Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.
All three were suspended by the ICC after they were charged with accepting bribes during the Test series against England. If the tainted players are proved guilty, they could be banned for life. The Pakistani
trio, however, claim they are totally innocent.
Arthur is no stranger to being in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons and this is something that Pakistan will point towards. In his autobiography ‘Taking the Mickey - The Inside Story’ he has claimed
that the recently-retired http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Makhaya-Ntini-c73953 had accused him of racism after being dropped from the team.
Betting advice
Don't be put off from betting on Pakistani cricket or series where the Pakistan team is involved. There are a lot of genuine and honest players in the Pakistan set-up who are full of the quality needed
to make an impression on the international stage.
Have an outside bet on Pakistan in any limited overs series. The recent form of the side is poor but this is the team's best chance of any success.
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