W Fernandez: Imran urges probe into match-fixing allegations (1 May 1998)

Friday, May 01, 1998

Imran urges probe into match-fixing allegations

By Walter Fernandez

LAHORE, April 30: "That the Pakistan cricketers are today being accused of throwing a Test match, limited-overs series or for that matter a Test series and a One-day International tournament, even if they are genuinely beaten is due to the non-serious stance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)," said Imran Khan, the Pakistan cricketing hero-turned-politician, in an exclusive interview to Dawn in the departure lounge of the Lahore International Airport on Thursday morning.

"I have been on record a number of times that a proper inquiry committee comprising members from the intelligence services and FIA, with impeccable credentials should established to investigate the accusations against the Pakistan cricketers whose names keep cropping up in conversations as well as the media every now and then." added the only Pakistan captain who has won the World Cup Cricket Tournament.

"By good measure, these accusations have been surfacing in some form or another in casual conversations because of the laid back style and hush up attitude of the PCB," stressed Imran Khan, one of the five greatest all-rounders produced in 121 years of Test cricket history.

"Come to think of it, I really cannot understand as to why the Cricket Board has not decided to resolve the problem in a frank, forthright and correct fashion," queried the former Pakistan skipper with the most number of Test wins to his credit.

"Had that happened, I have no hesitation to state that the entire incident would have been put to rest by now," opined Imran Khan, one of only four Pakistan cricket legends along with the late Chief Justice A.R. Cornelius, Abdul Hafeez Kardar and Fazal Mahmood to have earned the unique distinction of having their name plaques adorn the main gates of the Qadhafi Stadium, Pakistan cricket headquarters, for their services to the game.

"The game of cricket is much bigger than an individual and whatsoever the status of any Pakistan cricketer, if at all he is involved in match-fixing for financial gains, he should be taken to task but not before the charges are proved in a court of law after an impartial inquiry," stated the charismatic former Pakistan cricket great, married to one of Britain's richest young lady.

"Queried about whether he has anymore suggestions to make to rehabilitate Pakistan's cricket image to its pristine glory of the late eighties and early nineties, he quipped back: "Because of my pre-occupation with politics, I have not been able to devote much time to cricket affairs. However, I do keep myself abreast of the country's cricket through some of my old colleagues in the game, both in official circles and on the field but I would not like to volunteer an off-the-cuff brief," said Imran Khan.

Pakistan teenaged cricket sensation Shahid Afridi, who was standing alongside Imran Khan, then had a private conversation with the Pakistan cricket maestro. Imran was seen dishing tips on the finer points of batting and the budding Pakistan star, who seemed to hero-worship the man attentively nodded to whatever was being passed on to him until it was time to board the flight.

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