Malik may be charged with contempt of court

Karachi, July 30: The judicial investigations into allegations of corruption against Pakistan cricketers was officially concluded on Sunday when Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum gave Mushtaq Ahmad a benefit of doubt.

But the honourable judge hinted that more trouble was in store for banned former captain Salim Malik who is said to have made derogatory comments against him.

"I have heard about it (Salim Malik's remarks). Naveed Rasool will be summoned on Monday and will be told to make the transcripts of that interview available," the judge said from Lahore on Sunday evening.

Naveed Rasool, a former PCB legal advisor, has been assigned to evaluate the assets of the players. He has also been handed over the transcripts of Salim Malik's interview to News of the World.

"Salim Malik will be charged with the contempt of court," the judge said, adding: "It will not be delayed. As soon as I get the transcripts and have read them, charges will be framed."

Justice Qayyum, whose investigations into foul play in Pakistan cricket lasted nearly two years, said he has given Mushtaq Ahmad a benefit of doubt and submitted his report to the cricket board.

"We searched for one Afzal Butt as during the inquiry, it was alleged that he was the person who bribed $100,000 to the spinner. But our hunt went in vain as Butt remains untraceable.

"Mushtaq Ahmad has been given benefit of doubt because in the alleged match, his performance was outstanding. He can't be given a severe punishment unless there is concrete evidence."

Mushtaq was one of the three players for whom Justice Qayyum recommended a fine of Rs300,000 which he said would stay.

The Lahore High Court judge hailed the PCB's decision to spy the cricketers. "Until the confidence is restored, this is a good exercise.

"Unfortunately in our society, the confidence will only be restored once the team starts winning. I don't think the players will be monitored by an invisible agent for" an indefinite period, he said.