Match-fixing: CE to handle the matter, says Tarar

Islamabad, Oct 31: President Rafiq Tarar has said that the appointment of judge for the inquiry into match-fixing of 1999 World Cup matches and umpire Javed Akhtar, as requested by the chairman Pakistan Cricket Board, falls within the purview of the government.

Talking to Dawn at the closing ceremony of the President of Pakistan Cup Golf Tournament at Rawalpindi Golf Club, the President who is also the patron-in-chief of PCB, further said that he has already written to the Chief Executive to handle the matter as he pleases.

President's press secretary intervened when it was being asked to comment on the policy of the cricket board which on one hand is holding inquiries against the cricketers allegedly involved in wrongdoing but on the other is awarding them medals.

Sports best means to promote peace: President Rafiq Tarar has said that in the present times sports are the best means to promote peace and understanding among countries.

The president was speaking at a reception hosted in the honour of cricket teams of visiting England and Pakistan at the presidency on Tuesday. The president met all members of the two teams individually.

President Tarar said that cricket was a popular sport and a vast majority of people of both England and Pakistan take great interest in it.

He appreciated both teams over the standard of game displayed during the one-day series and congratulated Pakistan team on winning it.

The president also hoped that the forthcoming three-match Test series will be played in a healthy atmosphere, bringing forth the best from both teams.