Rashid Latif escapes punishment for match-fixing claims

Rashid Latif has escaped punishment for his controversial open letter to the ICC last month, as the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed he would be retained as captain for the home series against Bangladesh in August.

Latif, who led Pakistan during their 2-1 NatWest Challenge defeat against England last month, had invited trouble when he claimed that match-fixing was still an issue in international cricket. He claimed that the current laws, particularly in the first 15 overs of one-day matches, invited "fancy fixing".

"It provides a chance for the bookies to approach top-order batsmen to achieve unusual scores and affect the complexion of competitive matches," wrote Latif, a statement that contradicted the ICC's official line that match-fixing was a thing of the past. Latif was quick to apologise to the PCB for breaching their code of conduct and that seemed to have done the trick.

"We have accepted Latif's apology and the matter is closed," said Tauqir Zia, the PCB chairman. "As long as Latif is doing fine he will remain captain and I must admit at an age when most of his colleagues are retired he is doing well."

Latif had planned to retire after the World Cup, but was persuaded to stay on to oversee Pakistan's rebuilding process. It now seems he may be at the helm for some time yet. "We want to appoint a captain on a long-term basis," added Zia, "and there are options before us. Anyone suitable can be appointed captain at a time when it is necessary."

Bangladesh play three Tests and five one-day internationals during their tour of Pakistan, which begins on 17 August.