Pakistan: Inquiry commission hearing adjourned (17 January 1999)

17 January 1999

Pakistan: Inquiry commission hearing adjourned

By Our Reporter

LAHORE, Jan 16: The Inquiry Commission probing match-fixing charges against certain cricketers here has fixed Jan 25 as the last date for proceedings.

It will be the last opportunity for the players, against whom allegations have been made, to cross-examine the persons who accused them before the commission.

Due to Pakistan Cricket team captain Wasim Akram's absence on Saturday no proceedings were held. The proceedings were fixed to allow Mr Akram and former captain Salim Malik to cross-examine the people who had blamed them for match fixing.

The commission received the captain's urgent message dated Jan 15 from Karachi mentioning that due to fog he would not be able to come to Lahore. He said that he was booked on a flight, PK 306, on Friday but it was cancelled due to weather conditions. He said that the PIA authorities concerned had indicated to him that no flight was likely to take off for Lahore within next 24 hours. Saleem Malik and his counsel Azmat Saeed were present.

The commission directed the players who wanted to question others to ensure the presence of their counsel on the next date of hearing for cross-examining, even if they themselves were not available. Wasim Akram and Saleem Malik are in the squad leaving for the Indian tour starting from January 21.

Former fast bowler Ataur Rehman who is believed to have levelled allegations against the captain in his statement recorded by the commission in-camera also was absent. He was believed to be in England.

Pakistan Cricket Board legal advisor Ali Sabtain Fazli said that it was yet not decided as to what arrangements could be made for providing Mr Akram with an opportunity to cross-examine him. He said that there was a possibility of arranging a telephonic conference with Ataur Rehman.

Former manager and coach Intikhab Alam, cricketers Rashid Latif, Amir Suhail, Mushtaq Ahmad, Aqib Javed and alleged bookie Saleem Parvez came to attend the proceedings.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)