Taking serious note of the 'spot-fixing' scandal that rocked Pakistan cricket team in the ongoing fourth Test against England in London, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday asked for an immediate preliminary report from PCB chairman Ijaz Butt into the allegations.
The President's spokesman, Farhatullah Babar said in a statement that Zardari was disappointed over the media reports of fixing allegations against some Pakistani players.
"The President, taking note of the reports, has directed that he should be kept posted about the developments as to what happened and what is the status of any inquiry that may have been ordered or held in London," he said.
"The PCB chairman has been directed to immediately submit a preliminary report about the incident," he added in the statement.
Zardari, in his capacity as Chief Patron, directly nominates the PCB chairman and despite repeated criticism, he has kept faith in his nominee Ijaz Butt who was appointed in October 2008.
The Federal Sports Minister Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani said the government was concerned by the media reports about players involvement in 'spot-fixing'.
The minister said that PCB chairman Ijaz Butt will meet International Cricket Council officials in London on Sunday to discuss the issue.
"It is disappointing and a matter of concern but we are waiting for a report from the board on this incident before we can do anything," he said.
Jakhrani said that the government's priority now was to ensure that the players returned home and are not arrested by the London Metropolitan Police if the allegations against them turned out to be true.
"We will take action once we get a report but I can assure you if any player is found guilty of such corruption he will be banned for life," he said.
