Wasim Akram axed by Channel 4

Pakistan's Wasim Akram who has been implicated in the match-fixing and bribery scandal, will not be commentating on Channel 4 this season. The channel issued a statement this evening, an extract of which is as follows:

"Channel 4 has carefully studied the findings of the Qayyum judicial inquiry into match-fixing allegations. Channel 4 has noted his comments about Wasim Akram who has been contracted to be part of the Channel's cricket commentary team this summer.

"With further investigation into match-fixing allegations on-going in a number of Test playing countries, the issue is set to dominate the cricket agenda this summer.

"Channel 4 does not wish to compromise its ability to cover fully and fairly an issue of such fundamental importance to the game nor does the channel wish to distract attention from the summer's series against the West Indies.

"In these circumstances, after consultation with Channel 4, Wasim Akram has decided it would be inappropriate for him to be part of the commentary team this summer and has asked to be released from his contract in order to concentrate on his playing career.

"Channel 4 and Wasim Akram will review the relationship as events progress."