Younis and Intikhab upset over match-fixing claims

The allegations of match-fixing by the head of Pakistan's national parliamentary committee on sports, Jamshed Khan Dasti, has prompted strong reactions from the team's captain Younis Khan and coach Intikhab Alam. Both have strongly denied that the ICC Champions Trophy matches against Australia and New Zealand were fixed and expressed disappointment that these accusations were made without solid proof.

"It came as a shock to me that such allegations have been made without any evidence or concrete proof to back them up," Younis was quoted as saying in the News. "I have struggled all my life, so I am not bothered about losing the captaincy or not being able to play for the team. I am always prepared to face any situation.

"I don't know how anyone can make such baseless allegations without realising how much it affects the players and their fans."

Pakistan, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, lost to Australia off the final ball of the match after setting them a target of 206. They lost a closely-fought semi-final to New Zealand after setting them a target of 234.

"Without any evidence these allegations are made and I think it's not patriotic," Intikhab said. "Bedi told me, 'You have done so much for the Pakistan team and it's totally disappointing when such baseless allegations come up'." END COMMENT -->

Dasti had said that he would summon Younis and the PCB chairman Ijaz Butt before the parliament on October 13. Intikhab said he had not been among those summoned. "So far I have not received the invitation, but I have absolutely no problems in appearing before the committee," Intikhab said.

Despite the semi-final exit, Pakistan have had a successful year at world events, winning the World Twenty20 in England in June.