Pakistan Representative to ICC Code of Conduct Commission (2 May 1999)

2 May 1999

Pakistan Representative to ICC Code of Conduct Commission

Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, May 1: Former chief justice of Pakistan, Dr Nasim Hasan Shah, will represent the country in the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct commission. The commission has been constituted to investigate the allegations of betting and match-fixing.

The ICC, on Thursday, announced a nine-member committee with India to be represented by former board chief N.P.K. Salve and Australia by former captain Richie Benaud.

The other six members are:

Lord Griffiths (a former Privy Councillor and Lord of Appeal in the House of Lords, England, chairman); Sir Oliver Popplewell (retired High Court judge, England); Tim Castle (barrister, New Zealand); Justice Albie Sachs (current judge with the Constitution Court of South Africa); Desmond Fernando (former president of International Bar Association, Sri Lanka); Denys Williams (Chief Justice of Barbados, West Indies); and Don Arnott (former CEO of Zimbabwe Cricket Union).

According to chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Khalid Mahmood, the ICC code of conduct commission would look into the investigations conducted into the issue by Australia, India and Pakistan.

Mahmood told newsmen that since the investigations in Pakistan were being carried out by a government-appointed judicial commission, "the ICC commission, if required, would only point out (to the Pakistan authorities) if any aspect has not been looked into.

"But I don't think their investigations or recommendations can be challenged."

Mahmood stressed that match-fixing or betting scandal was not only confined to three countries. "I suggested to the ICC (at the Christchurch meeting in January this year) that if match-fixing is taking place, then the opposite team is equally involved and to save the good name of the sport, an ICC commission should be set-up which should investigate the matter globally."

Mahmood pointed out that it was only Pakistan that has carried out an in-depth investigations, "while Australia tried to sweep the issue under the carpet by saying it was their personal matter."

Regarding the appointment of Richard Pybus and resignation of Javed Miandad as coaches, the PCB chairman disclosed that the 34-year-old English-born South African was hired after consulting Miandad besides Wasim Akram.

"Miandad had always asked for an assistant saying he cannot concentrate on different training drills at a time. And for that purposehe used to hire former Test players when camps were held in Pakistan. But when we thought appointing Pybus, we sought the views of Miandad," Mahmood said.

Mahmood remained tight-lipped when inquired for `actual reasons' for Miandad's resignation. But he admitted that he had discussed the issue with the former captain. "The matter is a secret between me and Javed and I wouldn't talk on it until he (Javed Miandad) speaks."

But the PCB chairman candidly denied that he had a role to play in Miandad's ouster. "That's untrue. Actually, it was someone else who wanted Miandad out and he succeeded." Despite being pressed to the limits, Mahmood refused to disclose the identity of the people who were behind Miandad's exit.

Asked why the approval of executive council was not taken before appointing Pybus, Mahmood said this was a minor issue. "For major appointments, approval of the council was required but for appointments like this one, council's approval can be taken later."

Replying to another question, Mahmood said Pybus can be trusted despite his association with England and South Africa because he was a professional.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)