PCB calls for World Cup match-fixing probe

The Pakistan Cricket Board has asked the country's president to order a judicial investigation into allegations of Pakistani involvement in match-fixing during last year's World Cup.

''The chairman of the PCB Tauqir Zia has requested the patron of the PCB to order a judicial inquiry into the allegations of betting, gambling and match-fixing concerning the World Cup 1999 matches of Pakistan against India and Bangladesh,'' said a PCB statement released late Monday night.

The PCB patron, Pakistan President Mohammad Rafiq Tarar, has not commented on the request.

Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 61 runs in a first-round match in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, while India defeated their arch-rivals by 47 runs at Old Trafford in a Super Six stage game, prompting critics at home to call for an investigation.

Pakistan still reached the final of the tournament played in England, but lost by eight wickets to Australia.

It was the most one-sided loss in the 24-year history of the competition and led to accusations of indiscipline against Pakistani players as well as allegations of match-fixing from fans and local media.

The latest call for an inquiry comes after another judicial investigation into possible corruption in the Pakistani game recommended that a number of Test players be either fined or banned.

UNI

Mail Cricket Editor