Match-fixing allegations: Not planning on summoning umpires yet, says PCB

PCB’s GM media says board will deliberate what steps should be taken before summoning umpires.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson said on Tuesday that the board was not planning on summoning the two umpires implicated in the match-fixing allegations made by an Indian television channel as yet, saying that it is a “sensitive matter”, Express News reported.

Footage screened on India TV on Monday appeared to show umpires from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka negotiating deals with under-cover reporters to spot-fix matches.

Express News quoted PCB’s General Manager Media Nadeem Sarwar as saying that the board will deliberate what steps should be taken before summoning umpires Nadeem Ghauri and Anees Siddiqui.

Sarwar was also scheduled to arrive at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a presser.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also launched an investigation into the allegations made against international umpires after the channel showed footage of Ghauri, Nadir Shah of Bangladesh, part of the ICC international panel of umpires, and Sagara Gallage of Sri Lanka agreeing to give favourable decisions in exchange for umpiring contracts and money.

Ghauri denies allegations 

Denying allegations that he agreed to spot-fix matches, Ghauri said he spoke to the undercover reporter – who presented himself as a member of a sports management company – with regard to umpiring in the Sri Lanka Premier League (SPL).

Speaking to media in Lahore, Ghauri said he insisted on discussing the issue not on the phone only because contracts are never discussed over a phone call.

Calling the videos fake and altered, Ghauri said he has informed the PCB about his stance and will take legal actions once the cricket board completes its inquiry.

He further said that he had told the PCB officials about the SPL offer and asked if they will allow him to go ahead with it.

Ghauri claimed that the PCB officials told him that the company which made the offer must contact the board directly.

Responding to questions by journalists, Ghauri said the undercover reporters said they will make him a part of a reality show and also a TV judge. He claimed he told them that he is only interested in umpiring.

Ghauri added that Anil Chaudhry – an umpire in India – helped him find out that the offer was a fraud and the company does not exist.

He further accused that the scandal was brought up by an Indian lobby which wants to destroy cricket in the country.