IPL spot-fixing case: ICC drops umpire Asad Rauf from Champions Trophy

The ICC today issued a media release stating that Rauf had been removed from the panel of umpires for the June 6 to 21 tournament.

8220;The decision has been made after media reports on Wednesday indicated that the umpire was under investigation by Mumbai Police,8221; the ICC release said.

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Explaining the decision,ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: 8220;In the wake of reports that the Mumbai Police are conducting an investigation into Asad Rauf8217;s activities,we feel that it is in Asad8217;s best interests as well as those of the sport and the event itself,that he is withdrawn from participating in the ICC Champions Trophy.8221;

Rauf was embroiled in a controversy last year when a small-time model named Leena Kapoor accused the Pakistani umpire of sexually exploiting her for months before refusing to marry her.

As per the duty schedule of the on-field umpires,Rauf was supposed to officiate in a warm-up match between Australia and West Indies in Cardiff on June 1.

In the tournament group league stage,he was supposed to officiate in two matches in Cardiff. The first on June 9 was between Sri Lanka and New Zealand while other was between West Indies and South Africa.