PCB 'Perturbed' By Further Allegations Of Corruption

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a statement following the news that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is to launch a full investigation into the third One-Day International between England and Pakistan at The Oval.

The ICC acted after it was passed information by The Sun, an English tabloid newspaper and the PCB say they are 'perturbed' that they were not informed of the ICC's intentions until the news broke on Saturday morning (18th September).

"Pakistan Cricket Board is extremely perturbed by the recent allegations of corruption in the 3rd ODI between England and Pakistan," its statement read.

"PCB regrets the way these allegations have been handled as being a full member of ICC it only came to know through media that investigations will be conducted by ICC. PCB feels that ICC should repose more confidence in its members.

"PCB further condemns sensationalizing of these allegations which are harming cricket in general and Pakistan in particular.

"The ICC has been requested by PCB through its counsel to furnish more details into these allegations.

"PCB maintains a zero tolerance approach towards corruption and will continue to provide all assistance in the investigations."

Three players - Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif have been suspended by the ICC after they were alleged to be at the centre of spot-fixing during the fourth Test at Lord's. Those claims were also made by a British tabloid - The News Of The World and earlier this week, Wahab Riaz, became the fourth Pakistan cricketer to be questioned by police in relation to the case.

He was subsequently released and fielded as a substitute during the third ODI, which Pakistan won by 23 runs.

© Cricket World 2010