Official named to probe players' assets

Karachi, July 20: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed a one-man inquiry commission that will probe the assets of the players.

Naveed Rasool, a member of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), has been assigned to carry out investigations and report back as soon as possible.

Naveed recently resigned as the legal advisor of the PCB.

The chairman of the PCB, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said Naveed Rasool will chalk out his own strategy and will act independently. He said if he required some man power, the PCB would provide it. "Being a NAB representative, he knows all the procedures. The Pakistan players will be instructed to extend full support," he said.

The investigations of the assets are being carried out as per recommendation of Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum. The assets of the players will be compared with their total earnings.

The general said Salim Malik and Ata-ur-Rehman, who were banned for life on the advice of Justice Qayyum, were delivered with letters. He said the two players have been instructed to convey to the board if they accepted the decision or plan to challenge the decision.

Similarly, he said the cash penalties imposed on six players would be deducted from their match fee. He, however, said the players will have the right to challenge the fines in a court of law.

In the meantime, the PCB sent a fresh reminder to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to confirm the itinerary of the tour of Pakistan.

"Since we have to depart for New Zealand two days after the conclusion of the Indian series, we have to confirm our arrival and the itinerary to them (New Zealand) immediately," Gen Tauqir said.

The Indian series concludes on Feb 12 and the Pakistan team leaves for New Zealand on Feb 14 for three Tests and five one-day internationals.