Ashraf welcomed the statement from Cricket Ireland’s (CI) chief executive who said that his body was considering touring Pakistan. PHOTO: FILE EXPRESS
The name of the veteran Pakistan umpire surfaced last week as the probe into the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing case widened. Media reports indicated Rauf was under investigation by Mumbai Police that has already arrested three Indian cricketers, part of the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, at least one actor among others.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) withdrew Rauf from the upcoming Champions Trophy based on the reports, while Mumbai Police refused to confirm Rauf being investigated.
With Rauf’s name being mentioned, the PCB adopted a nonchalant attitude. Ashraf, who arrived here yesterday for the board’s first Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the new constitution on May 29, reiterated the matter was not the PCB’s domain.
“We will not take action against Rauf on our own,” Ashraf told reporters at the Karachi airport. “But if the ICC provides us evidence against the umpire we can proceed. We did this before as well and punished two of our umpires,” added Ashraf, referring to banned umpires Nadeem Ghauri and Anees Siddiqui.
PCB chief for follow-up talk with Ireland
Meanwhile, Ashraf welcomed the statement from Cricket Ireland’s (CI) chief executive who said that his body was considering touring Pakistan.
“We will welcome the Ireland team,” said Ashraf. “I will hold discussions with the CI and ICC officials on my visit to the UK during the Champions Trophy.
“I will try to remove their concerns and convince them to confirm the tour of Pakistan.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013
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