Pak closes match-fixing file

The International Cricket Councils ICC anti-corruption unit had said on Thursday that it was examining Pakistans dismal tour of Australia earlier this year,when they were whitewashed in all formats Tests,ODIs and T20s.

Butt was summoned along with then coach Intikhab Alam and former captain Younis Khan by the Pakistan parliamentary committee after the PCB enquiry report,where suspicion of match-fixing was raised,was leaked to the media. The PCB had,in March,banned and fined seven players on the recommendations of the inquiry committee; six of them have appealed against their punishments.

Butt,however,denied that the ICC was conducting its own independent inquiry into the matter based on Alam and former bowling coach Aaqib Javeds statements before the committee,where they questioned the performances of two players wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and pacer Rana Naved.

Akmal had dropped three catches and missed a run in the second Test at Sydney,where Australia pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind 36-run victory. Both Alam and Javed had expressed suspicions that Akmal may have links with bookmakers.

Akmal,though,has dismissed all allegations,saying on Friday that he was fed up with the constant speculation about match-fixing in Pakistan cricket. I dont even think about these things,I just concentrate on my performances. For me,not being able to win the World T20 despite the team playing well is heartbreaking enough, Akmal said.

I have always played clean cricket for my country and I have already told the PCB about my performances in Australia. Whoever is now making allegations is free to do so but must also prove them, Akmal added.

He has present coach Waqar Youniss backing,who has said he would consider the wicketkeeper for selection until the charges are proved. If you don8217;t have any proof,you should just keep quiet, said Waqar,who replaced Intikhab.

I wont have a problem selecting Kamran,I think he was one of our better performers in the World Twenty20. There are some very ugly agendas and people trying to benefit here, he was quoted as saying by The Age.

Resolve issues soon

Pakistan8217;s Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi has also joined the damage-control attempts,urging for an early end to the allegations to help the side prepare for next years World Cup in the right frame of mind.

There is too much uncertainty because of all those allegations, Afridi told The News. Its really damaging for the players and the team and Im really concerned because it comes at a time when we are looking forward to a very busy calendar filled with major assignments,including the all-important World Cup. I think that,for our team to move on,we need to quickly resolve all controversies. You cant expect the players to give their best when there are so many allegations thrown at them.

Surprised by investigation: CA

Meanwhile,Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young has expressed surprise by the investigation into the Pakistan tour. Its come as a total surprise to Cricket Australia,Young said,with reference to comments made by outgoing ASCU chief Paul Condon on Thursday. Condon had said in a press conference that the tour was a series that worried us.

Were not aware of and have not been aware of any issues with the Sydney Test match. Our continuing view is that we came from behind and won the game on the merits of our on-field performance and through no other influence. James Sutherland CA chief executive will be writing to the ICC to seek a briefing.

We do understand the ICC-ACSU protocol is they dont talk to you,you are not aware an investigation is going on unless it involves one of your own players. They havent asked us to help them with any of their questions or investigations and wed be very surprised if they did, Young added.