Latif ready to share match-fixing evidence with PCB

Former Pakistan cricketer stands by remarks regarding Bhatt.

KARACHI:

Former captain Rashid Latif has offered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to come with their legal team to study the evidence that he has regarding his statement about the board acting as hosts to Indian bookmaker Arun Bhatt.

The board had termed the remarks ‘stupid’ and ‘baseless’ before notifying him to either provide evidence or apologise within three days.

“If I make my evidence public, it will have devastating consequences for Pakistan cricket, players, their families and the PCB,” said Latif during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club yesterday.

“I’m ready to share the proof through my legal adviser if PCB acting chairman Najam Sethi, Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed or anyone else is interested in witnessing it. I also request the PCB not to force Danish Kaneria to accept his guilt until his appeal at all forums isn’t decided.”



Latif also requested the PCB to convey their reservations civilly; otherwise he would be forced to reply in kind.

The 44-year-old added that several players have been regular guests of Bhatt while many of them have received gifts from him as well. He added that Bhatt should be investigated as he has been seen with the Pakistan team on several tours of South Africa, Australia and the West Indies.

‘PCB should treat all players equally’

Latif, who has represented Pakistan in 37 Tests and 166 One-day Internationals, emphasised that the board should treat all players equally.

He pointed out that efforts were being made for Muhammad Amir in order to secure his early return to the national side, while Kaneria, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were being neglected.

“Everyone should be treated equally but the PCB is only courting the International Cricket Council for Amir’s comeback while on the other end, they aren’t ready to lend a helping hand to Kaneria,” he said.

“Personally, I feel anybody who has committed a crime should be banned for life. But if one player is getting preferential treatment, then others should get a chance too.”

The former player also condemned Kaneria’s statement that he has been victimised because of his religion.

“I condemn this statement of Kaneria and urge him to apologise for these comments because many sentiments have been hurt. He has been given a lot of love and affection by the fans of Pakistan irrespective of him being a Hindu.”

When asked whether he will appear in the UK’s commercial court as a witness in Kaneria’s case, he replied in the negative.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2013.

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