PCB dropped ‘tainted’ players from NZ tour over fears of ICC backlash: Source

KARACHI - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly does not want to select senior players like Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Danish Kaneria to avoid any altercation with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The trio has been overlooked for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand because of suspicions that they could be involved in match-fixing, a source said.

The source said that the PCB has its suspicions, but does not have any proof against the players.

“The thing is that the PCB has suffered big headaches because of controversies related to spot-fixing that it has decided to be extra careful,” the News quoted the source, as saying.

“After what happened in England last summer, the Board is unwilling to take any chances and wants to keep any player with a question mark over his integrity out of the national team,” he added.

Earlier, the PCB was given a 30-day ultimatum by the ICC to put its house in order or face sanctions including possible suspension of Pakistan from international cricket.

“Since that ultimatum, the PCB has become really cautious and wants to avoid any more scandals,” the source added. (ANI)