PCB Chairman Butt Withdraws Match-Fixing Allegations

PCB Chairman Butt Withdraws Match-Fixing Allegations

PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt

©REUTERS/Paul Hackett (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has withdrawn allegations he made earlier this month suggesting England players had been involved in match-fixing.

In the wake of four Pakistan players being investigated for alleged spot-fixing, Butt claimed that England's defeat in the third One-Day International against Pakistan on 17th September should also come under scrutiny.

However, he has now retracted that statement.

“I wish personally and on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board to withdraw the comments I made concerning the England and Wales Cricket Board and each of the England players who played in the NatWest One Day International at the Brit Insurance Oval on Friday 17 September," he said.

"It is regrettable that there was a misunderstanding arising from my comments.  I would like to make it quite clear that in the statements which I made that I never intended to question the behaviour and integrity of the England players nor the ECB nor to suggest that any of them were involved in any corrupt practices or in a conspiracy against Pakistan cricket.

"In particular, I wish to make it clear that I have never seen any evidence of any wrong doing by any England player or the ECB at any time.  I deeply and sincerely regret that my statements have been interpreted to cast doubt upon the good names of the England players and the ECB and hope that this public withdrawal will draw a line under the matter.

"The ECB and its Chairman have been and continue to be a friend of and hugely supportive of Pakistan cricket.  I am very grateful for their efforts in that regard and for their hospitality this summer.

"We at the PCB, like all other cricket governing bodies, are committed to a zero tolerance policy to corruption in the game and will continue to work hard with the relevant authorities to eradicate it.”

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) added:

The ECB and the England players who played at the Brit Oval warmly welcome this withdrawal and now regard the matter closed. Mr Giles Clarke confirmed that following this statement he is continuing in his role as the ICC Pakistan Task Team Chairman.

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