ICC Warns PCB about Bookies, Tauqir Zia

Tauqir Zia was chairman of PCB from 1999 to 2003 and he said that before England tour PCB was warned by ICC about the illegal links of bookies. According to information ICC informed PCB that they should remain careful from the bookies approach. There were six to seven Pakistani player who were doubted to have connections with bookies.

He added that during his chairmanship he was asked to select the players who had links with bookies but he straight away rejected it. He added that he wanted clean cricket that is why he didn’t select players doubted have links with bookies.

Zia said that he was also an Army officer that time and one day he received a call and a gentleman asked him to include a player in the team having links with bookies. He added that he was also offered that the player will earn money for them. In reply he straightaway refused and said that he will never include the player in the team.

Three Pakistani were suspended after they were alleged guilty for bowling no balls on the direction of fixer Mazher Majeed. Later Mazher was released by the police and was also allowed to do his Job. ICC chief Lorgat said that they should have solid proof and should also be fully confident before putting a blame of players.