Pakistan players are involved in match fixing

In another sensational claim, former Pakistan batsman Qasim Umar has accused two senior cricketers of the national team of being involved in match fixing and using drugs.

Umar, who has now turned to religion for solace, told a newspaper today that he would disclose the names of the players at an appropriate time.

"Right now I don`t want to take any names because both these players are influential persons and they can have me killed. I fear for my life," Umar claimed.


"I am silent now for some reasons but when the time comes I will unmask their faces," he said.

Incidentally, Umar was banned for life in the late 80s for accusing former captain Imran Khan and some other players of smuggling drugs in their kit bags to England.

"I know one of these players has been involved in fixing matches while the other has used drugs," Umar added.

Umar had recently, on a television show, alleged that former West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards used recreational drugs on regular basis for relaxation and stamina enhancement.

"I appeal to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to call me and hear me out because I know that when I speak the truth and reveal the names what will happen to me," he said.

"In the past also my career was destroyed because I dared to speak the truth. The Pakistan Cricket Board just to appease Imran destroyed my career and banned me without hearing my story," he added.

Umar had also appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to help him get his job with a bank, which had sacked him after the PCB imposed life ban on him.

"I feel cricketers who do things that are against the nation should be brought to justice and when the time comes I will play my role in this," he said.

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3:16 AM

Indians involved in match-fixing in SriLanka

NEW DELHI: Match-fixing has returned to haunt the game of cricket and this time it is the Pakistani cricketers who are facing the heat after a disastrous tour of Lanka. ( Watch )

Former Pakistan chief selector Abdul Qadir made startling allegations, saying Pakistani players are linked to Indian bookies.

It came to light during the tour of Sri Lanka with stories of Pakistani players being approached by suspicious Indians, as reported by manager Saeed Yawar.

Pakistan Cricket Board has taken strict action in its bid to come clean from the match-fixing allegations. Sources within PCB told Times Now that people who are key suspects had approached the Pakistan players during the series in Sri Lanka. These people have been following the team for the last three tours. It is also indicated that strict action would be taken against Pakistan team manager in Sri Lanka, Yawar Saeed.

As contradicting reports emerged during the tour, the report came to light with ICC sources confirming to Times Now that they will look into the incident after the PCB had informed the parent governing body regarding suspicious incidents during the tour.

The report gained further prominence with former Pakistani chief selector Abdul Qadir accusing the team of having fixed matches in Sri Lanka. Qadir also lashed out at the team for its pathetic display during the tour.

The emerging Indian angle to the incident is the most disturbing. As more and more Indian bookies' names have been revealed in the match-fixing cases in the recent times.

Talking to Times Now, Abdul Qadir maintained his statement and confirmed the reports. Qadir speaking exclusively to Times Now on the match-fixing said, "This is a sensitive issue. One has to be careful. Whatever I said if it is correct of incorrect, I do it professionally."

Salman Ahmed, who is an agent who represents a few Pakistani players also confirmed the Indian angle to reports. Ahmed told Times Now, he had seen Indian bookies during various tours and also during the multi-million Indian Premier League.

Pakistan players' agent, Salman Ahmad, speaking exclusively to Times Now on the entire controversy said, "I can identify the people who were around when there was Indian Premier League. They were the same people when South Africa was playing in Pakistan. These are the same people who were in Sri Lanka when Pakistan was playing its matches. These people were there when teams like Mumbai, Punjab or any other team was playing. These were the same people during the time of Asia Cup also. From their faces, one could identify that they were from India. I am on a flight to Colombo and unless I see them tomorrow in Colombo I cannot comment further. When I identify, the relevant authorities will get to know."

Cricket journalist of Sri Lanka, Rex Clementine, speaking to Times Now said that this is nothing much to worry about. He said, "A few Indians were spotted at the place where Pakistan players were put up. From that day, these reports were coming out. Once it becomes official, the situation will be alarming. Right now, it is all unconfirmed. The security around the players is very tight. One cannot approach the players easily because they have been guarded by special forces."

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9:00 AM