Intikhab rubbishes match-fixing allegations

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has rubbished allegations that some of his players were involved with bookmakers during his team's ongoing tour of Sri Lanka, where they have conceded the Test and ODI series.

"I don't believe in such rumours, it's total rubbish," Intikhab said after Pakistan recorded their first win on tour, beating Sri Lanka comprehensively by 146 runs in the fourth ODI in Colombo.

"I have faith in every player of the Pakistan team. We have gone through such situations before. It takes a lot when you haven't won a single game so far of course it's a matter of concern. Though we have lost this ODI series it's good for our cricket and also for the image of Pakistan cricket if we win the remaining two matches (including the Twenty20) and have a happy ending."

Pakistan cricket has been rocked in the past few weeks by allegations that bookies were seen staying in the same hotel floor as the team. The Pakistan Cricket Board had subsequently informed the ICC to investigate these allegations also sought legal advice on unsubstantiated accusations by former chief selector Abdul Qadir on the involvement of the players.

The ICC has a representative of its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit looking into it. The side's poor performance in Sri Lanka, soon after their triumph in the ICC World Twenty20 in England has come as a shock in Pakistan.

Pakistan play the fifth and final ODI at the same venue (R Premadasa Stadium) on Sunday, before winding off their tour with a Twenty20 International on Wednesday.