Wasim Akram’s betting files can be reopened: PCB official

Special Committee chairman says 49-year-old has brought menace of betting into Pakistan cricket

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board’s inquiry committee head Shakil Sheikh on Wednesday said if Wasim Akram is in any way found involved in the team’s Asia Cup debacle, then he would be held accountable.

Sheikh's remarks come after Wasim earlier questioned questioned the appointment of Shakil and the purpose of constituting the inquiry committee to probe into the national team's poor performance in the Asia Cup.

Wasim also took a dig at Shakil by saying the chairman of the special committe had not even held a cricket bat properly in his life. Responding to Wasim, Shakil said the legendary cricketer should have a look into his own career first, before criticizing others.

"Wasim's past is well-known to everyone and old files in the board regarding his involvement in betting can be reopened.”



Regarding the old files, Sheikh was referring to the report submitted by Justice Malik Qayyum on match-fixing inquiry at the start of the millennium. "It is Wasim who has brought the menace of betting into Pakistan Cricket," he said.

He also went on to say that Wasim was not in favour of the special committee as he feared something suspicious would come up against him.

Wasim Akram, who has the highest number of Test wickets forPakistan (414), was not immediately available for a response.



Responding to Wasim's dig, Sheikh said he scored an unbeaten 135 when the Pindi Stadium was inaugurated and a match between Tauqir Zia Eleven and Journalist Eleven was held.

“At another time during a good level match at F-9 Park cricket ground, I scored 42 and former West Indian captain Clive Lloyd, who was also present on the occasion, praised my batting.”