Naved denies link with fixing suspect
All-rounder says he will ‘never hurt country’s image’.
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s out-of-favour all-rounder Rana Naved has denied links with Karachi-based bookie Sajid Khan, who was arrested by Bangladesh authorities on suspicion of spot-fixing during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Khan was arrested while making efforts to reach the players’ zone during a match in Mirpur earlier this week. The names of two Pakistanis – Naved and opener Nasir Jamshed – also surfaced with reports claiming that the police found contacts of the duo on Khan’s phone.
Naved, however, denied any links with the arrested man.
“I wasn’t aware of this until yesterday,” Naved told reporters in Karachi. “I don’t know this man. I might have had a chat with him in the past but I do that with a lot of fans. I haven’t been approached by the police either. Only the International Cricket Council officials approached us and they advised us to take precautions. I represent my country and I will never let down my countrymen with involvement in such deeds.”
PCB should initiate T20 League
Meanwhile, the all-rounder gave a thumbs-up to the BPL and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to launch its own version.
“It was a good experience. All Pakistan players performed outstandingly and that’s a really good thing. Our board should also initiate such a league as it will help us revive international cricket in the country.”
The all-rounder also made himself available for the national team, leaving it to the selectors to decide on when he stages an international comeback.
Jamshed also denies links
Meanwhile, Jamshed also denied any link with the arrested suspect.
“Maybe someone gave my contact to him,” said Jamshed. “There is nothing serious about it and I am cooperating in the investigation.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2012.
Pakistan’s out-of-favour all-rounder Rana Naved has denied links with Karachi-based bookie Sajid Khan, who was arrested by Bangladesh authorities on suspicion of spot-fixing during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Khan was arrested while making efforts to reach the players’ zone during a match in Mirpur earlier this week. The names of two Pakistanis – Naved and opener Nasir Jamshed – also surfaced with reports claiming that the police found contacts of the duo on Khan’s phone.
Naved, however, denied any links with the arrested man.
“I wasn’t aware of this until yesterday,” Naved told reporters in Karachi. “I don’t know this man. I might have had a chat with him in the past but I do that with a lot of fans. I haven’t been approached by the police either. Only the International Cricket Council officials approached us and they advised us to take precautions. I represent my country and I will never let down my countrymen with involvement in such deeds.”
PCB should initiate T20 League
Meanwhile, the all-rounder gave a thumbs-up to the BPL and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to launch its own version.
“It was a good experience. All Pakistan players performed outstandingly and that’s a really good thing. Our board should also initiate such a league as it will help us revive international cricket in the country.”
The all-rounder also made himself available for the national team, leaving it to the selectors to decide on when he stages an international comeback.
Jamshed also denies links
Meanwhile, Jamshed also denied any link with the arrested suspect.
“Maybe someone gave my contact to him,” said Jamshed. “There is nothing serious about it and I am cooperating in the investigation.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2012.