Malik hints at conspiracy behind match-fixing row

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Tuesday that there might be a conspiracy behind the match-fixing scam adding that initial report has been sought from the Scotland Yard. “We will believe only when we have concrete evidence with us,” Malik told reporters after attending a high level meeting at the National Crisis Management Cell and meeting with Sports Minister Ijaz Jhakrani here on Tuesday. Malik said a preliminary report on the matter had been sought and that the Pakistan government had written to Scotland Yard through Interpol to get more facts. Rehman Malik said that stern action would be taken if any cricketer is found guilty in the match fixing allegations. He said that investigations have commenced regarding the involvement of cricketers in a match fixing allegation made by British media; an investigative team of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would visit the United Kingdom to probe the matter after the report of the Scotland Yard. The probe team would search whether or not the match was fixed, or team players were fixed for spot. If any of the players are involved, we will make an example of it and strict action will be taken,” he added. He said it has been decided to form a 3 member investigative committee consisting of FIA officers and an officer of Ministry of Sports. The ream would consist of Director FIA Admin Headquarter Inam Ghani and Assistant Director FIA Karachi Agha Ishrat while the third member would be nominated by the Sports Minister. Rehman Malik said that this team would leave for UK after permission from UK. He said that however if the Scotland Yard and Interpol does not provide us the initial report than this team would proceed to UK with or without permission. Meanwhile, Sports Minister Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani said that no charges had been framed against the team so far and until they are charged with something they would continue to play. Jakhrani stated that alternate team of Pakistan wouldn’t be send to UK for One-day series. He said we would not bring back any player until charges against them are proven. He said that he would meet with prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani today (Wednesday) after which he would be in the position to say whether PCB chairman should be removed or not Earlier in the day, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said, “There is a case going on over here with Scotland Yard. This is only an allegation. There is still no charge or proof on the account. So at this stage, no action will be taken.” The ICC’s anti-corruption unit has been asked to submit a report on its investigations within the next three days.