PCB stays away from controversy

Karachi, April 10: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) distanced itself from the ongoing match-fixing controversy involving South African captain Hansie Cronje.

"We have nothing to do with what is happening. We are not part of it. Our role in the scenario is similar as that of any other cricket board except the two who are directly involved," director of the PCB, Yawar Saeed, said on Monday from Islamabad.

Of all persons, Cronje was one of the four players on whom the New Delhi police framed charges of criminal conspiracy, fraud and match-fixing. All the four players have denied the charges.

Pakistan had found itself in a similar situation about five years ago when three Australian cricketers had leveled unproven allegations against former captain Salim Malik.

"I agree that this time the charges have been framed by the police, but still there is confusion with the accused denying and the New Delhi police not providing audio tapes. "But as far as we are concerned, we have nothing much to add," Yawar Saeed said.

South Africa are due here in September for a three-match one-day series. But Yawar Saeed said there was enough time in hand. "I am confident that by that time, the dust would settle," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Saeed Anwar and Saqlain Mushtaq will return from England on Wednesday after undergoing treatment for respective injuries. Saeed had undergone orthoscopy on his knees while Saqlain had several tests relating to his mysterious stomach problem.

The PCB official said as soon as the two players confirm their availability, the selectors would be informed who would watch the two players in action to judge their fitness level. "Saeed and Saqlain can be tested in the nets or any cricket match. That's not a big problem. But they would be asked to undergo fitness test as soon as they confirm their availability's," he said.

The board official said if the two passed fitness test, two players will be called from the West Indies.