Boards on collision course over allegations
In an unexpected outburst on Sunday, the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt launched a scathing attack at the ECB after they released a statement claiming that its players were not part of the allegations involving the third One-Day International at The Oval.
“We’re not concerned about any legal action against us and will give a strong reply incase something comes up against us,” Ijaz told The Express Tribune. “We’re confident and not afraid of any legal action because major damage has been done to us by the unjust allegations against our players. We won’t bow down against anyone and will fight our case for which we’ve already taken lawyers on-board.”
ECB issues strong reaction
The PCB chairman, while responding to the latest allegations against Pakistan, accused the English players of taking a bribe to throw the match, a comment that irked the ECB and the team and one which they described as ‘baseless’.
“Mr Butt’s comments were wholly irresponsible and completely without foundation,” said an ECB statement. “The ECB expresses its gratitude for the outstanding conduct of the England team this summer and will take all legal and disciplinary action which may result from Mr Butt’s comments.”
England players left fuming
The English players, too, have strongly rejected allegations of match-fixing levelled by the PCB chief.
“We would like to express our surprise, dismay and outrage at the comments made by Mr Butt,” said England captain Andrew Strauss. “We are deeply concerned and disappointed that our integrity as cricketers has been brought into question. We refute these allegations completely and will be working closely with the ECB to explore all legal options open to us.”
The PCB chief, however, remained unperturbed by the reaction from the ECB and the players and remained confident that the Pakistan team was innocent.
Series to proceed as scheduled
The ECB has announced the ODI series would go ahead as planned and not be affected after remarks by PCB chairman.
“We recognise our responsibilities to the game of cricket, and in particular to the cricket-loving public in this country, and will therefore endeavour to fulfil these fixtures to the best of our ability,” said the ECB statement.
Both the teams have already played four matches with the final fixture of the five-match series to be played tomorrow at Southampton.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2010.
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