PCB to sue against false
match-fixing charges

The Pakistan Cricket Board says it plans to initiate action against those making false match-fixing accusations against its players.

PCB chairman Tauqir Zia said, "The PCB and its legal adviser will consult the Law Ministry and evolve a system through which all accusers who fail to provide proof of match-fixing allegations can be taken to task."

Zia said the PCB will not tolerate attempts to malign Pakistan cricket, and action against those who cry wolf would not be limited to Pakistan.

"With two inquiries we have buried the match-fixing controversy in Pakistan. We would also take action against any publication abroad if they level allegations without any proof, even if we have to file a suit abroad," he added.

Last month, Pakistan published the findings of a judicial inquiry into allegations of match-fixing against Pakistani players who took part in the team's defeats in the 1999 World Cup, held in England. The inquiry, carried out by Justice Karamat Bhandari of the Lahore High Court, found no evidence that Pakistan had thrown their matches against Bangladesh and India during the tournament.

The commission "directed us that in future any accuser without any proof should be taken to court and players should also sue the accusers," Zia said.

Mail Cricket Editor