PCB refuses to jump to any conclusion over Indian bookie's match fixing claims

Islamabad, Mar 12 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said it would not jump to any conclusions over a report published in a British newspaper, which quoted an Indian bookmaker claiming to have fixed international matches including the World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan.

While the newspaper reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to launch an inquiry into the claims, the PCB said it will wait for the 'evidence' before making an initiative.

"It depends on what evidence is presented to the PCB," The Express Tribune quoted the board's chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed, as saying.

The Delhi bookie has claimed that tens of thousands of pounds are offered to players to throw a part of the match or a complete game.

The report also mentions that the high-profile semi-final clash between India and Pakistan in Mohali, won by the hosts, was among the fixed matches.

The newspaper further said it has evidence that exposes corruption in the game and also states that help from a Bollywood actress was taken to lure the cricketers.

Ahmed said that the ICC has not contacted the board so far.

Meanwhile, another PCB official said that the board will help the ICC in case investigations provided sufficient evidence.

"We are with the ICC in the battle against corruption. The PCB has taken concrete measures after the 2010 spot-fixing scandal and wants to root out the fixing menace," the official said.

"Primarily it's the job of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit to figure out the case but we are ready to assist in case there's authenticity in the matter," he added. (ANI)