Allegations of a match-fixing scandal involving Pakistan has the country’s future tours in doubt, led to a call by a former International Cricket Council chief for a team ban and renewed suspicions over a Test match it played in Australia in January.
Police questioned Pakistan players on the weekend after News of the World newspaper alleged that bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir were paid to deliberately bowl no-balls during Thursday’s opening day of the fourth Test that England went on to win by an innings and 225 runs.
Malcolm Speed, who was the chief executive of the ICC from 2001-2008, said he was concerned by what “looks a fairly compelling case” of rigged betting and called for a team ban.
“I think that’s (suspension) an option. It’s serious,” Speed said. “It looks as though it is endemic that several of the team members are involved and have been for some time. So perhaps they need a rest. The News of the World does this sort of thing very well and it’s very graphic.”
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan told AP his organisation could not immediately comment on the allegations against Pakistan players or discuss ramifications for its future tour schedule. Pakistan is scheduled to tour New Zealand in December.
“We’re waiting until we get a clearer picture,” Vaughan said. “We hope to be able to make a statement within the next couple of days.”
Any player found guilty of involvement in match-fixing faces a life ban from the sport.
