ECB & PCA Threaten Ijaz Butt With Legal Action

ECB & PCA Threaten Ijaz Butt With Legal Action

PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt

©REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Players' Cricket Association (PCA) have threatened to take legal action against Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt.

Butt claimed that England players had been involved in match-fixing during the third One-Day International at The Oval, his own remarks coming hours after the ICC launched an investigation into the match after a tabloid newspaper handed over information suggesting Pakistan players had been involved in spot-fixing during the game.

The ECB is now calling for Butt to issue a 'full and unreserved apology' for his remarks.

"The ECB and the PCA today confirmed that a pre-action letter has been sent on behalf of the England cricket team to Ijaz Butt, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, following his allegations that the England cricket team were involved in fixing the outcome of the third NatWest Series One Day International between England and Pakistan, played at The Brit Insurance Oval on September 17th ,  2010," a joint statement read.

"The letter seeks a full and unreserved apology. Mr Butt has been advised that if a satisfactory response is not received, legal proceedings will be commenced against him without further notice."

England lost the third match in the series by 23 runs before hitting back to win the series 3-2.

© Cricket World 2010