Pakistan involved in match-fixing, claims Sarfraz

MELBOURNE: Former Pakistan quick bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has accused the current team of being involved in match-fixing and alleged the series against India this year was corrupt, the Herald Sun newspaper said on Saturday.

“Everyone knows it,” Sarfraz, 56, was quoted as saying from his home in Lahore. “They’re still doing it, in both test and one-day cricket.” Sarfraz has made similar allegations before but been unable to substantiate the allegations. Former test captains Salim Malik (Pakistan), Mohammad Azharuddin (India) and Hansie Cronje (South Africa) were banned for life after a match-fixing scandal which erupted in 2000 when Cronje admitted accepting money from bookmakers. Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer rejected Sarfraz’s allegations as his team prepared for Sunday’s second test against Australia. “Personally I believe the hype over match-fixing is over the top,” Woolmer told reporters. “I don’t think there is any chance of any match-fixing going on in this team. They are all far too honest and a religious bunch of people who pray to Allah three or four times a day. I’ve not seen him (Sarfraz) anywhere around Pakistani cricket. He hasn’t been to any games”. reuters

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