Summons from judge rocks Pak cricket

ISLAMABAD April 23: Barely had it recovered from the sudden resignation of coach Javed Miandad, Pakistan cricket was plunged into turmoil...

ISLAMABAD April 23: Barely had it recovered from the sudden resignation of coach Javed Miandad, Pakistan cricket was plunged into turmoil once again today with skipper Wasim Akram and other players being summoned for final questioning’ by the judge probing the betting and match-fixing allegations.

The judicial commission headed by Justice Malik Muhammad Qayyum has issued summons to 12 former and present players and cricket officials, asking them to appear before it on April 28, the day on which the team leaves for England for the World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) legal advisor Ali Sibtain Fazli, confirming the summons, said team members could be represented by lawyers. He also said the judge would try to make the hearing the final one.

Five players from the World Cup team — Wasim Akram, Salim Malik, Ijaz Ahmad, Mushtaq Ahmed and Waqar Younis — were among those summoned. These players will be cross-examined by Rashid Latif, Aamir Sohail, Javed Miandad, PCB chief executive Majid Khan, Ata-UrRehman, Intakhab Alam and an alleged bookie, the sources said. Meanwhile, Miandad today said he has made no contact with PCB officials and has left the decision about his future to the Board. Since his sudden resignation Miandad has shied away from press. PCB has made no official announcement about Miandad’s replacement and announced his resignation will be put in the council meeting in Karachi on May 1 and 2.

Reports suggest South African Richard Pybus may be promoted as coach. PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood, terming Miandad’s resignation as unexpected and unfortunate,’ revealed, “We appointed Pybus on the recommendation of Wasim Akram.”