Akram, team-mates cleared of betting charges

The probe bureau has, in fact, suggested to PCB that instead of the accused proving their innocence, those who made the allegations be asked to furnish the proofs.

Praising Akram for his cricketing excellence in recent times, the Bureau, which had been asked to investigate the allegations of match-fixing against Pakistani team during the World Cup, in its report has made only one adverse comment 8212; of non-payment of income tax by some players, the sources said.

But on the main charge of match-fixing and betting, the 16-page report has totally cleared the players recommending to PCB that 8220;instead of asking the accused to prove their innocence, the persons making the allegations should be asked to provide proofs.8221;

The Bureau had recently submitted its report to PCB and to Pakistan president Muhammad Rafiq Tarar, who is the chief patron of the Board.

The issue led to the dissolution of the previous PCB management on July 16 by the Pakistan president and an ad-hoc committee under Mujeebur Rehman was constituted to look after the affairs of the Board.

The ad-hoc committee formed after the PCB management8217;s dissolution had put Akram and two other members of World Cup squad 8212; Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmed 8212; under suspension for their alleged role in match- fixing. But now, the same Ehtesab Bureau has cleared the entire team of any charges but the suspension of the three cricketers continues.