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Thursday, 31 January, 2002, 10:01 GMT

Fixing probe wound up

Pakistan's five-month inquiry into match-fixing at the 1999 World Cup has eventually concluded with "no direct evidence" found.

Justice Karamat Bhandari's commission was set up after South Africa cricket boss Dr Ali Bacher's alleged that Pakistan played two fixed matches in the last World Cup.

The Lahore-based commission wrote to Bacher and the UCBSA twice asking them to testify or send a statement to substantiate the allegation. But none was forthcoming.

Pakistan's Sports Ministry will now submit the report to the President of Pakistan who is also the patron of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).


" All the events leading up to the Pakistan-Bangladesh match prove match fixing took place "
Majid Khan

The PCB was under pressure from the game's global body, the International Cricket Council, to fully investigate the allegations but has been unable to do so.

The report will be submitted to the ICC¿s annual meeting in June.

The commission, formed in May last year started its probe in September 2001, had to decide whether Pakistan¿s defeats against Bangladesh and India were fixed.

Wasim denial

During five months of inquiry, 20 witnesses were called.

Pakistan's captain in the World Cup, Wasim Akram, appeared before the commission on 1 December explaining that his team lost both matches due to poor cricket.

¿All those who level allegations must also be taken to task,¿ he said at the time.

Four other members of Pakistan¿s Cup squad - plus the then Pakistan team manager Dr Zafar Altaf denied allegations.

However, former Pakistan captain Majid Khan backed the allegations.

'All the events leading up to the Pakistan-Bangladesh match prove match fixing took place,' he told the commission.

Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz also believed the Pakistan team lost the match against Bangladesh on purpose.


Related to this story:
UCB asked to persuade Bacher (08 Jan 02 | Cricket) Wasim called by fixing inquiry (17 Nov 01 | Cricket) Bacher urged to give evidence (06 Nov 01 | Cricket)


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