Now, ‘match-fixing’ menace hits Pak National T20 Championship

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started investigations into allegations that some leading players under-performed during two crucial matches of the National Twenty20 Championship, which concluded recently in Lahore.

A well-placed source in the PCB revealed that an undeclared investigation is underway to judge the credibility of the semifinal match played between Karachi Dolphins and Rawalpindi Rams, The News reported.

The PCB is investigating if any of the Rawalpindi players have under-performed to present the semis to the Dolphins, it added.

“Doubts arose when a leading Rawalpindi all-rounder seeking a place in the Pakistan team apparently under-performed with both bat and ball, forcing the PCB to scrutinise his performance,” disclosed a source.

It has been alleged that the all-rounder in question, who was seeking a spot in the national team, was guaranteed a place following the completion of the task. However, his poor performance in the match forced the selectors to think otherwise.

Apart from that particular semifinal, another match is also under investigation, said the paper.

The fresh measures are being taken in the wake of the recent ICC warning, which has asked the PCB to take strict measures for curbing match-fixing menace in Pakistan’s domestic cricket.

However, PCB’s media director Nadeem Sarwar expressed complete ignorance when approached over these developments.

“I am completely unaware of any such development or about any such inquiry,” Sarwar said. (ANI)