Karachi: The ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) smelt rat after Pakistan were whitewashed in all the three formats — Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s — by Australia during the 2009-10 tour, therefore they ordered an investigation to determine whether Pakistan’s on-field failure was the result of what it called a “dysfunctional” team or “something more serious”.

Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi, however, asked the concerned authorities to take ‘decisive action’ over the issue as soon as possible as he believes the uncertainty surrounding players’ involvement in match-fixing is adversely affecting the team’s focus, as they prepare for crucial tournaments in the coming months, including the 2010 World Cup.

“The thing is that there is too much uncertainty because of all those allegations regarding match-fixing. It’s really damaging for the players and the team and I’m really concerned because it comes at a time when we are looking forward to a very busy calendar filled with major assignments, including the all-important World Cup,” The News quoted Afridi as saying.

“We will be playing in the World Cup just nine months from now and it’s hardly the sort of situation you need to prepare for such a huge event,” Afridi stated.

“I think that for our team to move on, we need to quickly resolve all such controversies. You can’t expect the players to give their best when there are so many allegations thrown at them,” said the Pakistan T20 skipper.

The leaked video tape, which showed players and some of the former team officials raising questions over the team’s performance during the winless Australia tour while testifying before an inquiry committee set up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), further fuelled suspicion of foul play involving some of the key players, particularly wicket keeper Kamran Akmal.

Related News Headlines

• No Related Post

Cricketain Latest

• Sachin, Dhoni, Sehwag in race for ICC awards
• No-ball row: Sangakkara takes full responsibility
• BCCI will not pursue no-ball matter with SLC
• BCCI denies compelling fatigued cricketers to play
• Bowlers in desperate need of a break: MS Dhoni
• Yuvraj out with dengue, Nehra uncertain for Sri Lanka ODI
• “Pakistan players should be allowed to play in IPL 4”
• ECB asks Pietersen to stay away from Lalit Modi
• Munaf Patel called up as cover for Ishant
• Final squads for CLT20 announced, Flintoff not in CSK squad