Basit backs inclusion of Naqvi in committee

PCB to investigate fixing allegations in regional T20 tournament.

KARACHI: Former Test cricketer Basit Ali has welcomed the decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to include an independent cricketer in the committee formed to probe fixing allegations in the recently concluded Faysal Bank Twenty20 Tournament.

PCB has constituted a three-member committee to ascertain the controversial round match of the recently concluded tournament staged in Rawalpindi.

The fact-finding committee comprises of General Manager Domestic Cricket Operations Shafiq Ahmed, Senior Manager Security and Anti-Corruption, PCB, Lt Col (Retd.), Wasim Ahmed Shahid and former Test cricketer Ali Naqvi.

“I welcome PCB’s decision to include Naqvi in the committee as an independent cricketer,” Basit told The Express Tribune.

“Naqvi has played with top players and it was my wish to have an independent cricketer in the inquiry as well. I hope the committee will not be biased towards anyone and will do its work in the best interests of Pakistan cricket.”

The committee will submit its report to Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed within a week.  Any subsequent action would depend on committee’s recommendations.

Basit was the central figure in the whole saga, he stated on air during his commentary stint for the tournament broadcasters that former champions Sialkot Stallions were playing in a dubious manner against Karachi Dolphins in a Group A match played on February 11 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

President’s Trophy final to be played in March

Meanwhile, the much-awaited President’s Trophy final will be played from March 12-16 between defending Champions SNGPL and UBL at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

PCB announced the dates and venue of the match in an official release yesterday, Ahsan Raza and Shozab Raza will be the two main umpires while Ahmed Shahab will be the reserve umpire.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2014.

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