Musharraf briefed on cricket affairs

Islamabad, April 28: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf was given a detailed briefing on the cricket affairs by Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia on Thursday evening, it was learnt here.

The meeting, which lasted a couple of hours, was held at the Army House. According to Yawar Saeed, director cricket operations PCB, who was also present at the meeting, said the general expressed keen interest in the development of school, college cricket and grooming of youngsters.

The general was briefed about the future plans of PCB, the national cricket academy, development of facilities etc. However, when asked about the contents of the briefing on match-fixing and betting issues, Yawar said those were not discussed during his presence.

"The issue of match-fixing is being directly dealt by the chairman PCB," Yawar said. Lt. Gen. Tauqir was not available for comments.

Justice Malik Qayyum report: The Ministry of Sports had submitted the one-man judiciary commission's 176-page report of Justice Malik Qayyum alongwith the recommendations to the Chief Executive office three months ago, highly placed sources in the ministry said.

Former secretary sports Syed Roshan Zamir had received the sealed copy of the report on Oct 16, 1999.

The two-page summary prepared by the ministry of sports takes into account the legal, administrative and practical implementation of the report compiled by the Justice of Lahore High Court.

High ranking officials in the ministry expressed surprise over PCB's version about having no idea where the report was. "No one has contacted the ministry for that purpose, and they don't have to because the report has already been submitted to the higher authority," a source speaking on the condition of anonymity said.

It was learnt that the ministry was awaiting approval of the recommendations before the Pakistan Cricket Board, is asked to implement them. The implementation orders will be given by President Rafiq Tarar, who is also the patron of the PCB.

It may be added here that the Justice Qayyum report was delayed when the former minister for sports had ordered inclusion of World Cup matches in the inquiry, however, later the orders were retracted.

Talking to Dawn, minister for sports, Derick Cyprian, said on Friday that the government was considering the recommendations and it was vital for promotion of healthy sports free from such menaces to implement them. However, he said that they have to keep the best interest of the country and game in front.

The minister further added that such practices that have spoiled the atmosphere should be condemned at all costs.

Sources within the ministry disclosed that tough action was recommended against the cricketers involved in the match-fixing and betting.