Xuhaib
International Coach
Justice Qayyum's Report
It bloody reads like a whole novel so I will just post a few parts of it.
EVIDENCE PRODUCED BEFORE COMMISSION
The Commission started its inquiry on 9th of September 1998 and summoned various persons together with evidence regarding the matter under reference.
The persons who were called to testify in this regard included former cricketers and officials of Pakistan Cricket Board, namely (in order of appearance):
Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz
Mr. Yawar Saeed Butt
Mr. Arif Ali Khan Abbasi
Mr. Javed Burki
Mr. Basit Ali
Mr. Haroon Rashid
Mr. Salim Malik
Mr. Ijaz Ahmad
Mr. Rameez Raja
Mr. Aaqib Javaid
Mr. Ata-ur-Rehman
Dr. Amir Aziz
Dr. Zafar Altaf
Mr. Aamir Sohail
Dr. Dan Keisal
Mr. Wasim Akram
Mr. Waqar Younus
Mr. Rashid Latif
Mr. Intikhab Alam
Mr. Saleem Pervez
Mr. Khalid Mahmood
Mr. Saeed Anwar
Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad
Mr. Inzamam-ul-Haq
Mr. Imran Khan
Mr. Javed Miandad
Mr. Majid Khan
Mr. Saqlain Mushtaq
Mr. Moin Khan
Mr. Shahid Afridi
Mr. Azhar Mahmood
Mr. Akram Raza
Mr. Zahid Fazal
Three Australian players were also examined, namely:
Mr. Mark Waugh
Mr. Mark Taylor
3. Mr. Shane Warne
The first person to appear before the Commission of Inquiry was former cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz. Sarfraz Nawaz was of the opinion that betting on cricket started in 1979-80 when Pakistan was on the tour of India under the captaincy of Mr. Asif Iqbal. He was of the opinion that this spread to Sharjah and it was from there that match-fixing started on a larger scale. He was of the opinion that the 1987 World Cup semi final against Australia at Lahore was fixed and the main culprits were Javed Miandad and two other players. In 1993-94, Sarfraz Nawaz deposed that he was informed by Ch. Khalid alias Gitti in the presence of Manzoor alias Churra and Aslam Shami that Salim Malik was called to Lahore during the tour of Sri Lanka and the match was fixed. Mr. Salim Malik was allegedly paid Rs.40 lacs for fixing this match. In this match Pakistan were 79/1 at one stage but were all out for 149, which clearly showed the mala-fides of the players, according to Mr. Nawaz, and that they were playing under some pre-arranged scheme. Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz was also of the view that the brothers of Salim Malik and Wasim Akram were bookies and the same could be judged by comparison of their assets. He also opined that Mr. Ijaz Ahmad and Salim Malik were involved in gambling at the domestic level too. In October, 1994 in a match between National Bank and Habib Bank, Salim Malik was paid Rs. 10 Lacs.
Haroon Rasheed was of the opinion that the test match played at Faisalabad against South Africa was also fixed when Pakistan were all out for 116 chasing a target of 144 runs in the second innings. Haroon Rasheed also accused Wasim Akram of changing the batting order during various competitions including Pakistan's Independence Golden Jubilee. Wasim Akram, according to Haroon Rasheed, would promote himself ahead of Moin Khan and Azhar Mahmood, break the momentum of the game which would result in loss. Mr. Haroon Rasheed felt that the main culprits were Wasim Akram, Ijaz Ahmad and Salim Malik.
Next to appear was the former Pakistani Captain Salim Malik. He said that he was exonerated by the inquiry conducted by Justice (Retd) Fakhr Uddin G. Ibrahim. As such, allegations against him including the one's leveled by the Australians were false and baseless. He admitted that an altercation had developed between him and Rashid Latif on the issue of who should bat first after winning the toss. He was of the view that the senior players wanted to bowl first, while Rashid Latif insisted that we must bat. He denied that he had fixed the final between National Bank and Habib Bank in domestic cricket. To a question why Shane Warne had accused him, he maintained that he was the only batsman in the world Shane Warne could not get out and as such was nursing a grudge. Regarding the statement made by Haroon Rashid against him for fixing the match of Sahara Cup against India, he maintained that he played with his best ability.
Next to appear was Ijaz Ahmad. Mr. Ijaz Ahmad maintained that he had never heard of match-fixing or betting. When reprimanded, he admitted that Rashid Latif and Basit Ali had resigned during the South African tour because of some allegations. He also admitted that he had sworn on the Holy Quran when Intikhab Alam called him. He said, he never knew of any bookie named Hanif Cadbury or Khalid Gitti. He maintained that as he was related to Salim Malik, allegations against him were there.
Next to appear was Ata-ur-Rehman who played for the Pakistan cricket team from 1992 to 1994. He denied that he had made a statement against Wasim Akram before the Probe Committee. However, when the statement was produced before him, he changed his story the next day and confirmed in camera the affidavit that was given by him. According to the affidavit, he was asked to bowl badly by Wasim Akram during the final One Day match at Christ Church. For this, Wasim Akram gave him Rs. 100000/-. However, he maintained that because he was threatened with dire consequences in Manchester, he changed his story under coercion. He also maintained that Wasim Akram paid the air ticket from New Castle to Manchester. He also said that Khalid Mahmood, CHAIRMAN PCB asked him, to retract from his statement. Ata-ur-Rehman, however, in his subsequent cross examination by Wasim Akram retracted from the statement he made against him and said that statement containing allegations against Akram was false.
Mark Waugh, the member of the Australian cricket team who was present in Pakistan, also appeared. He maintained that Mr. Salim Malik approached him during the Presidential reception in 1994 to lose the first test in return for US $200,000. When the offer was made, Shane Warne was standing next to him. He also confirmed that he had given an affidavit to this effect later on.
Mark Taylor also appeared. He produced a written statement which stated that he informed the manager Colin Edgar, and Mr. Bob Simpson about the incident soon after the game. Statement produced as Exhibit-3
Next to appear was Mr. Aamir Sohail, the former Pakistani Captain who did not say very much. At that time the Zimbabwean tour was on and he was captaining the National team. (He also subsequently reappeared of his own accord and maintained that there were a large number of allegations of match-fixing and betting during the South African tour.) He stated that as the Pakistan Cricket Board was not doing anything, he decided to go to the Press. He confirmed that he was approached during the Singer Trophy in Sri Lanka and offered Rs. 10 Lacs. He maintained that he was informed five minutes before the start of the Bangalore Quarter Final that he was supposed to lead the team. He maintained that this was not normal practice and that he was sure Wasim Akram would play. Aamir Sohail was subsequently cross-examined by counsels for Wasim Akram and Salim Malik. He stuck to his earlier statement.
Next to appear was Dr. Dan Keisel, the Physiotherapist of the Pakistani cricket team. He confirmed that Wasim Akram was injured during the match against India at Bangalore and was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. When questioned whether Wasim Akram was fit to play, he maintained that that question was for Mr. Wasim Akram to decide. He also stated that he had asked Wasim to come to him for treatment later. He was not sure if Wasim did.
Next to appear was the Captain of the current Pakistani team Wasim Akram. He confirmed that he was unfit for the match against India at Bangalore. He refuted the allegations leveled against him by Ata-ur-Rehman and maintained that he never offered any money to him. He confirmed that Zafar Ali alias Jojo was his neighbor but was not aware whether he was a bookie. He refuted the allegations that his brother was a bookie and maintained that his brother worked at a show room by the name of Madina Motors. He maintained that Salim Malik was one of the best batsmen in the world. He felt that the attitude of Majid Khan, Chief Executive was antagonistic and on no occasion was his performance appreciated by him. Wasim Akram also subsequently appeared on 3rd September, 1999 in which he answered allegations against the team made by Javed Miandad during the Sharjah Trophy which is dealt with separately.
Next to appear was Waqar Younis who maintained that he had no knowledge of match-fixing and betting. He clarified that he had received no money or car from any person and maintained that the statement by Mr. Aaqib Javed was not correct. He also confirmed that the members had decided to take oath on the Holy Quran before the start of the match. This was due to Rashid Latif who felt that players were throwing away matches. Aaqib Javed was subsequently recalled and subjected to cross-examination on the 3rd September, 1999 by counsel for Waqar Younis. Aaqib reaffirmed that Waqar had received a car from a bookie. He named the car also Pajero Inter Cooler.
Next to appear was Raja Aftab Iqbal, the elder brother of Zafar Iqbal alias Jojo. He confirmed that he was friendly with Wasim Akram, Ijaz Ahmad and Salim Malik. He also stated that he would occasionally bet at Carry Home Restaurant and Star Video in Gulberg.
Next to appear was Mr. Intikhab Alam, the former Manager. He has been associated with the game for nearly 17 years. He maintained that during the 1994 Final at Sharjah, he started receiving phone calls that the match was fixed. As such he assembled the cricketers and asked them to take an oath on the Holy Quran. He maintained that he was suspicious of the Final that took place in Sharjah against Australia and he called Waqar Younis, Salim Malik and Basit Ali to his room. These were the three players who he suspected were involved. According to him, Basit Ali confessed before him that he had indulged in match-fixing. Further Mr. Intikhab Alam stated that Asif Iqbal, the former Pakistani Captain was linked with bookies. Mr. Intikhab Alam also felt that this last match at Christ Church against New Zealand was fixed. He confirmed that there were rumors during the Mandela Cup final in South Africa that the Pakistani Team was going to lose the match. He stated that an anonymous person called him and alleged that the seven players namely Salim Malik, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Basit Ali, Ijaz Ahmad, Mushtaq Ahmad, Moin Khan and Waqar Younis had sold themselves.
Salim Pervez alias Paijee appeared before this Inquiry and confessed that he himself had handed Salim Malik and Mushtaq Ahmad $ 100,000 to throw away the final in Sharjah against Australia. He stated that the two players had contacted him directly in this connection and had asked for a larger amount but settled for $ 100,000. This match was lost by Pakistan. He confirmed that he was present in Sri Lanka during the Singer Trophy. He was also of the view that the team deliberately lost the Mandela Trophy in South Africa and the Quarter Final in Bangalore. He suspected that Ijaz Ahmad had sold himself during the match in Bangalore.
Next to appear was Mushtaq Ahmad. He confirmed that Salim Pervez was staying in the same hotel as the cricket team and that he knew Salim Pervez. He denied that he had taken money from Saleem Pervez but said that his performance in the said match was very good. When questioned as to how he knew which match the counsel was referring to Mushtaq Ahmad had no answer.
Mr. Imran Khan, former Captain, also appeared before this Commission of Inquiry. He felt that match-fixing had taken place in Pakistani cricket but apart from what Ata-ur-Rehman had told him he had no information regarding match-fixing. Mr. Imran Khan maintained that the involvement of the Captain is imperative if match-fixing is to take place because guaranteeing the results of the match cannot be without the knowledge or consent of the Captain. Mr. Imran Khan also maintained that Intikhab Alam was a decent person and should be believed. He suggested that any one found guilty of match-fixing, should be banned for life and fines should be imposed on them.
Mr. Javed Miandad, former Captain also appeared before this Commission of Inquiry. He stated that he knew Saleem Pervez and had also heard that Saleem Pervez had paid money to some Pakistani players. He also maintained that the Australians were speaking the truth. He suggested that the culprits be punished sternly and be banned for life. He stated that during the Singer Trophy match in 1994, the conduct of Pakistani team was suspicious and he felt that they were involved. He stated that once Mushtaq Ahmad had confessed to him about his involvement in match-fixing. He also stated that senior players had been influencing younger players in order to persuade them to indulge in match-fixing and those who did not agree, were put out of the team.
Javed Miandad was again called by the Commission in August 1999 to ask him as to why he had resigned as Coach of Pakistan team after its tour of Sharjah in 1999. He appeared before the Commission and after some hesitation stated that during the Pakistan match with England at Sharjah, he had received a phone call from someone apparently reliable and whom he did not want to name, who said that the match was fixed. That person told Miandad that Shahid Afridi, Moin Khan, Azhar Mahmood, Salim Malik, Inzamam-ul-Haq had taken money to 'box' the match. He even made Wasim Akram talk to the man. Miandad says he was furious at the team during lunch and say that England who were earlier 40/5 had scored 206. He further went on to state that before he knew what was happening, five of his batsmen were out and the entire team got out for about 135 runs in the 35th over without playing 50 overs.
The said five players were then summoned by the Commission on the 3rd September, 1999. All these players denied match-fixing and on the contrary said it was because of Javed Miandad's allegations against them coupled with his extremely aggressive behaviour that they got upset and could not play properly and lost the match. They further stated that earlier on two different occasions, Javed had accused the team of match-fixing, once in Canada (Sahara Series) and once in Mohali (India) but on both those occasions Pakistan won the match.
Next to appear was the former Pakistani Captain and the recent Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mr. Majid Khan. Mr. Majid Khan had been instrumental in the appointment of this Commission of Inquiry. Mr. Majid Khan deposed that after the disappointing performance of the Pakistani team in the Independence Cup Quadrangular matches, he confronted Haroon Rasheed. Mr. Haroon Rasheed maintained that if the Captain Wasim Akram was not interested in winning the matches, he, Haroon, should not be blamed. Mr. Majid Khan, produced exhibits which showed that Mr. Wasim Akram was promoting himself in the batting order, which was resulting in breaking the momentum and the slowing of the run rate. When Wasim Akram was confronted by Majid Khan, Wasim Akram replied that he was not aware of the in form batsman and the out of form batsman and that he would rectify the mistake. During the matches in Sharjah, the same mistake was repeated by Wasim Akram. He would promote himself in the batting order instead of Azhar Mahmood and Moin Khan.
According to Sohail, during the World Cup Quarter-Final, Wasim Akram went to a Night Club just before the Bangalore match against India. When Aamir Sohail asked Wasim Akram about his fitness, Wasim said he was fit to play and that he would not miss such a crucial match. Aamir Sohail maintained that there is a team meeting before all important matches, but that no such meeting took place for this all important quarter final.
Before the Australasia Cup Final in 1994, Aamir Sohail maintained that he received a call from an Indian bookie who offered him Rs. 25 Lacs for getting himself out before scoring 10 runs and also getting Saeed Anwar run out. It was during this time that it was felt necessary for all the members of the team to take oath on the Holy Quran. Aamir Sohail maintained that the only reason Ata-ur-Rehman and Rashid Latif had lost their place in the National team was because they had exposed all the match fixers. Mr. Aamir Sohail maintained that during the 1994 Christ Church match, Mr. Majid Khan was very up-set about the rumours and had banned all telephone calls going to the players directly. This is the same match in which Ata-ur-Rehman later gave an affidavit. Aamir Sohail maintained that match-fixing mainly takes place in Sharjah and that Saleem Pervez had informed him that he had paid money to Salim Malik, Mushtaq Ahmad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.
The Rashid Latif Tapes.
Thereafter some tapes that had been produced by Rashid Latif were examined as were others that he submitted at later dates. These tapes contained the following conversations:
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Basit Ali' and 'Saeed Anwar',
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Basit Ali' and Salim Malik,
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Zia-ur-Rehman', brother of Ata-ur-Rehman,
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Ata-ur-Rehman' (and Ata's friend Makha),
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Saeed Anwar' (Poor Quality)
Another conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Saeed Anwar' (Poor Quality)
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Javed Burki'
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Arif Abbassi'
Conversation between Rashid Latif and Khalid Mehmood
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Dan Keisel' (very poor quality)
Efforts were made to authenticate these tapes, but such technology does not seem available in Pakistan.
Furthermore, a reason that makes this commission not be completely taken by these tapes is that some of the conversations of the tapes, when they were initially submitted, had been edited. Initially when Rashid Latif was asked as to why he had edited the tapes, he said because they contained insults, etc. He was asked to produce the original tapes nonetheless. The tapes that he submitted showed that this was not the only reason why the tapes had been edited. Crucially, mention of Basit Ali's involvement in match-fixing had been totally taken out of the tape containing conversation two (between Rashid Latif, Basit Ali and Salim Malik) when Rashid Latif submitted it to this Commission. Furthermore, some of Saeed Anwar's involvement in conversation one, in getting Salim Malik to call Rashid Latif and Basit had been cut out too. Subsequently, when Rashid Latif was asked to name who was the 'friend' mentioned in conversation 6, Rashid unconvincingly said it was Aamir Sohail. It appeared clear to this commission that the 'friend' was Saeed Anwar and the tape incriminated him to some extent. In light of these lingering doubts, it appeared to this commission that Rashid Latif may well have wanted to protect his friends, Saeed Anwar and Basit Ali. Rashid Latif may well have thought that these two can or should be protected as they by most accounts are allegedly one-time offenders. But that if indeed that is what happened, was not for him to decide.
CONCLUSION
The allegation that the Pakistan team is as a whole is involved in match-fixing is just based on allegation, conjectures and surmises without there being positive proof. As a whole, the players of the Pakistan Cricket team are innocent.
However, there is clear evidence of match-fixing against Mr. Salim Malik. He should be banned for life from Cricket. Further an inquiry should be conducted into his assets and charges brought against him in a criminal court of law.
The evidence against Wasim Akram has not come up to the requisite level, primarily because of Ata-ur-Rehman's perjuring himself. This Commission is willing to give him the benefit of doubt. However, there has been some evidence to cast doubt on his integrity. As such, this Commission recommends that he be removed from the captaincy of the Pakistan Cricket Team and a person of impeccable character be appointed. Moreover, he should be censured, kept under watch and his finances should be investigated.
Ata-ur-Rehman is being proceeded against for perjury. Further, it is recommended that he be banned from international cricket.
This commission recommends that PCB should enforce declaration of assets by all its players and, if necessary, initiate a probe into their accounts.
In addition to recommendation of other punishments, fines are recommended against the following players as follows (as explained esrlier):
Salim Malik Rs. 10 lac
Wasim Akram Rs. 3 lac
Mushtaq Ahmad Rs. 3 lac
Ata-ur-Rehman Rs. 1 lac
Waqar Younis Rs. 1 lac
Inzamam-ul-Haq Rs. 1 lac
Akram Raza Rs. 1 lac
Saeed Anwar Rs. 1 lac
It may be recommended inter alia that a watch-dog Review Committee be formed to deal with future allegations if any. Further that all Pakistani cricket players should declare their assets at the time they start their career at the national level and annually submit their asset forms to the Pakistan Cricket Board. A zero tolerance approach be taken against match-fixing in the future and strict discipline generally be maintained.
(Justice Malik Muhammad Qayyum)
Commission
It bloody reads like a whole novel so I will just post a few parts of it.
EVIDENCE PRODUCED BEFORE COMMISSION
The Commission started its inquiry on 9th of September 1998 and summoned various persons together with evidence regarding the matter under reference.
The persons who were called to testify in this regard included former cricketers and officials of Pakistan Cricket Board, namely (in order of appearance):
Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz
Mr. Yawar Saeed Butt
Mr. Arif Ali Khan Abbasi
Mr. Javed Burki
Mr. Basit Ali
Mr. Haroon Rashid
Mr. Salim Malik
Mr. Ijaz Ahmad
Mr. Rameez Raja
Mr. Aaqib Javaid
Mr. Ata-ur-Rehman
Dr. Amir Aziz
Dr. Zafar Altaf
Mr. Aamir Sohail
Dr. Dan Keisal
Mr. Wasim Akram
Mr. Waqar Younus
Mr. Rashid Latif
Mr. Intikhab Alam
Mr. Saleem Pervez
Mr. Khalid Mahmood
Mr. Saeed Anwar
Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad
Mr. Inzamam-ul-Haq
Mr. Imran Khan
Mr. Javed Miandad
Mr. Majid Khan
Mr. Saqlain Mushtaq
Mr. Moin Khan
Mr. Shahid Afridi
Mr. Azhar Mahmood
Mr. Akram Raza
Mr. Zahid Fazal
Three Australian players were also examined, namely:
Mr. Mark Waugh
Mr. Mark Taylor
3. Mr. Shane Warne
The first person to appear before the Commission of Inquiry was former cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz. Sarfraz Nawaz was of the opinion that betting on cricket started in 1979-80 when Pakistan was on the tour of India under the captaincy of Mr. Asif Iqbal. He was of the opinion that this spread to Sharjah and it was from there that match-fixing started on a larger scale. He was of the opinion that the 1987 World Cup semi final against Australia at Lahore was fixed and the main culprits were Javed Miandad and two other players. In 1993-94, Sarfraz Nawaz deposed that he was informed by Ch. Khalid alias Gitti in the presence of Manzoor alias Churra and Aslam Shami that Salim Malik was called to Lahore during the tour of Sri Lanka and the match was fixed. Mr. Salim Malik was allegedly paid Rs.40 lacs for fixing this match. In this match Pakistan were 79/1 at one stage but were all out for 149, which clearly showed the mala-fides of the players, according to Mr. Nawaz, and that they were playing under some pre-arranged scheme. Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz was also of the view that the brothers of Salim Malik and Wasim Akram were bookies and the same could be judged by comparison of their assets. He also opined that Mr. Ijaz Ahmad and Salim Malik were involved in gambling at the domestic level too. In October, 1994 in a match between National Bank and Habib Bank, Salim Malik was paid Rs. 10 Lacs.
Haroon Rasheed was of the opinion that the test match played at Faisalabad against South Africa was also fixed when Pakistan were all out for 116 chasing a target of 144 runs in the second innings. Haroon Rasheed also accused Wasim Akram of changing the batting order during various competitions including Pakistan's Independence Golden Jubilee. Wasim Akram, according to Haroon Rasheed, would promote himself ahead of Moin Khan and Azhar Mahmood, break the momentum of the game which would result in loss. Mr. Haroon Rasheed felt that the main culprits were Wasim Akram, Ijaz Ahmad and Salim Malik.
Next to appear was the former Pakistani Captain Salim Malik. He said that he was exonerated by the inquiry conducted by Justice (Retd) Fakhr Uddin G. Ibrahim. As such, allegations against him including the one's leveled by the Australians were false and baseless. He admitted that an altercation had developed between him and Rashid Latif on the issue of who should bat first after winning the toss. He was of the view that the senior players wanted to bowl first, while Rashid Latif insisted that we must bat. He denied that he had fixed the final between National Bank and Habib Bank in domestic cricket. To a question why Shane Warne had accused him, he maintained that he was the only batsman in the world Shane Warne could not get out and as such was nursing a grudge. Regarding the statement made by Haroon Rashid against him for fixing the match of Sahara Cup against India, he maintained that he played with his best ability.
Next to appear was Ijaz Ahmad. Mr. Ijaz Ahmad maintained that he had never heard of match-fixing or betting. When reprimanded, he admitted that Rashid Latif and Basit Ali had resigned during the South African tour because of some allegations. He also admitted that he had sworn on the Holy Quran when Intikhab Alam called him. He said, he never knew of any bookie named Hanif Cadbury or Khalid Gitti. He maintained that as he was related to Salim Malik, allegations against him were there.
Next to appear was Ata-ur-Rehman who played for the Pakistan cricket team from 1992 to 1994. He denied that he had made a statement against Wasim Akram before the Probe Committee. However, when the statement was produced before him, he changed his story the next day and confirmed in camera the affidavit that was given by him. According to the affidavit, he was asked to bowl badly by Wasim Akram during the final One Day match at Christ Church. For this, Wasim Akram gave him Rs. 100000/-. However, he maintained that because he was threatened with dire consequences in Manchester, he changed his story under coercion. He also maintained that Wasim Akram paid the air ticket from New Castle to Manchester. He also said that Khalid Mahmood, CHAIRMAN PCB asked him, to retract from his statement. Ata-ur-Rehman, however, in his subsequent cross examination by Wasim Akram retracted from the statement he made against him and said that statement containing allegations against Akram was false.
Mark Waugh, the member of the Australian cricket team who was present in Pakistan, also appeared. He maintained that Mr. Salim Malik approached him during the Presidential reception in 1994 to lose the first test in return for US $200,000. When the offer was made, Shane Warne was standing next to him. He also confirmed that he had given an affidavit to this effect later on.
Mark Taylor also appeared. He produced a written statement which stated that he informed the manager Colin Edgar, and Mr. Bob Simpson about the incident soon after the game. Statement produced as Exhibit-3
Next to appear was Mr. Aamir Sohail, the former Pakistani Captain who did not say very much. At that time the Zimbabwean tour was on and he was captaining the National team. (He also subsequently reappeared of his own accord and maintained that there were a large number of allegations of match-fixing and betting during the South African tour.) He stated that as the Pakistan Cricket Board was not doing anything, he decided to go to the Press. He confirmed that he was approached during the Singer Trophy in Sri Lanka and offered Rs. 10 Lacs. He maintained that he was informed five minutes before the start of the Bangalore Quarter Final that he was supposed to lead the team. He maintained that this was not normal practice and that he was sure Wasim Akram would play. Aamir Sohail was subsequently cross-examined by counsels for Wasim Akram and Salim Malik. He stuck to his earlier statement.
Next to appear was Dr. Dan Keisel, the Physiotherapist of the Pakistani cricket team. He confirmed that Wasim Akram was injured during the match against India at Bangalore and was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. When questioned whether Wasim Akram was fit to play, he maintained that that question was for Mr. Wasim Akram to decide. He also stated that he had asked Wasim to come to him for treatment later. He was not sure if Wasim did.
Next to appear was the Captain of the current Pakistani team Wasim Akram. He confirmed that he was unfit for the match against India at Bangalore. He refuted the allegations leveled against him by Ata-ur-Rehman and maintained that he never offered any money to him. He confirmed that Zafar Ali alias Jojo was his neighbor but was not aware whether he was a bookie. He refuted the allegations that his brother was a bookie and maintained that his brother worked at a show room by the name of Madina Motors. He maintained that Salim Malik was one of the best batsmen in the world. He felt that the attitude of Majid Khan, Chief Executive was antagonistic and on no occasion was his performance appreciated by him. Wasim Akram also subsequently appeared on 3rd September, 1999 in which he answered allegations against the team made by Javed Miandad during the Sharjah Trophy which is dealt with separately.
Next to appear was Waqar Younis who maintained that he had no knowledge of match-fixing and betting. He clarified that he had received no money or car from any person and maintained that the statement by Mr. Aaqib Javed was not correct. He also confirmed that the members had decided to take oath on the Holy Quran before the start of the match. This was due to Rashid Latif who felt that players were throwing away matches. Aaqib Javed was subsequently recalled and subjected to cross-examination on the 3rd September, 1999 by counsel for Waqar Younis. Aaqib reaffirmed that Waqar had received a car from a bookie. He named the car also Pajero Inter Cooler.
Next to appear was Raja Aftab Iqbal, the elder brother of Zafar Iqbal alias Jojo. He confirmed that he was friendly with Wasim Akram, Ijaz Ahmad and Salim Malik. He also stated that he would occasionally bet at Carry Home Restaurant and Star Video in Gulberg.
Next to appear was Mr. Intikhab Alam, the former Manager. He has been associated with the game for nearly 17 years. He maintained that during the 1994 Final at Sharjah, he started receiving phone calls that the match was fixed. As such he assembled the cricketers and asked them to take an oath on the Holy Quran. He maintained that he was suspicious of the Final that took place in Sharjah against Australia and he called Waqar Younis, Salim Malik and Basit Ali to his room. These were the three players who he suspected were involved. According to him, Basit Ali confessed before him that he had indulged in match-fixing. Further Mr. Intikhab Alam stated that Asif Iqbal, the former Pakistani Captain was linked with bookies. Mr. Intikhab Alam also felt that this last match at Christ Church against New Zealand was fixed. He confirmed that there were rumors during the Mandela Cup final in South Africa that the Pakistani Team was going to lose the match. He stated that an anonymous person called him and alleged that the seven players namely Salim Malik, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Basit Ali, Ijaz Ahmad, Mushtaq Ahmad, Moin Khan and Waqar Younis had sold themselves.
Salim Pervez alias Paijee appeared before this Inquiry and confessed that he himself had handed Salim Malik and Mushtaq Ahmad $ 100,000 to throw away the final in Sharjah against Australia. He stated that the two players had contacted him directly in this connection and had asked for a larger amount but settled for $ 100,000. This match was lost by Pakistan. He confirmed that he was present in Sri Lanka during the Singer Trophy. He was also of the view that the team deliberately lost the Mandela Trophy in South Africa and the Quarter Final in Bangalore. He suspected that Ijaz Ahmad had sold himself during the match in Bangalore.
Next to appear was Mushtaq Ahmad. He confirmed that Salim Pervez was staying in the same hotel as the cricket team and that he knew Salim Pervez. He denied that he had taken money from Saleem Pervez but said that his performance in the said match was very good. When questioned as to how he knew which match the counsel was referring to Mushtaq Ahmad had no answer.
Mr. Imran Khan, former Captain, also appeared before this Commission of Inquiry. He felt that match-fixing had taken place in Pakistani cricket but apart from what Ata-ur-Rehman had told him he had no information regarding match-fixing. Mr. Imran Khan maintained that the involvement of the Captain is imperative if match-fixing is to take place because guaranteeing the results of the match cannot be without the knowledge or consent of the Captain. Mr. Imran Khan also maintained that Intikhab Alam was a decent person and should be believed. He suggested that any one found guilty of match-fixing, should be banned for life and fines should be imposed on them.
Mr. Javed Miandad, former Captain also appeared before this Commission of Inquiry. He stated that he knew Saleem Pervez and had also heard that Saleem Pervez had paid money to some Pakistani players. He also maintained that the Australians were speaking the truth. He suggested that the culprits be punished sternly and be banned for life. He stated that during the Singer Trophy match in 1994, the conduct of Pakistani team was suspicious and he felt that they were involved. He stated that once Mushtaq Ahmad had confessed to him about his involvement in match-fixing. He also stated that senior players had been influencing younger players in order to persuade them to indulge in match-fixing and those who did not agree, were put out of the team.
Javed Miandad was again called by the Commission in August 1999 to ask him as to why he had resigned as Coach of Pakistan team after its tour of Sharjah in 1999. He appeared before the Commission and after some hesitation stated that during the Pakistan match with England at Sharjah, he had received a phone call from someone apparently reliable and whom he did not want to name, who said that the match was fixed. That person told Miandad that Shahid Afridi, Moin Khan, Azhar Mahmood, Salim Malik, Inzamam-ul-Haq had taken money to 'box' the match. He even made Wasim Akram talk to the man. Miandad says he was furious at the team during lunch and say that England who were earlier 40/5 had scored 206. He further went on to state that before he knew what was happening, five of his batsmen were out and the entire team got out for about 135 runs in the 35th over without playing 50 overs.
The said five players were then summoned by the Commission on the 3rd September, 1999. All these players denied match-fixing and on the contrary said it was because of Javed Miandad's allegations against them coupled with his extremely aggressive behaviour that they got upset and could not play properly and lost the match. They further stated that earlier on two different occasions, Javed had accused the team of match-fixing, once in Canada (Sahara Series) and once in Mohali (India) but on both those occasions Pakistan won the match.
Next to appear was the former Pakistani Captain and the recent Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mr. Majid Khan. Mr. Majid Khan had been instrumental in the appointment of this Commission of Inquiry. Mr. Majid Khan deposed that after the disappointing performance of the Pakistani team in the Independence Cup Quadrangular matches, he confronted Haroon Rasheed. Mr. Haroon Rasheed maintained that if the Captain Wasim Akram was not interested in winning the matches, he, Haroon, should not be blamed. Mr. Majid Khan, produced exhibits which showed that Mr. Wasim Akram was promoting himself in the batting order, which was resulting in breaking the momentum and the slowing of the run rate. When Wasim Akram was confronted by Majid Khan, Wasim Akram replied that he was not aware of the in form batsman and the out of form batsman and that he would rectify the mistake. During the matches in Sharjah, the same mistake was repeated by Wasim Akram. He would promote himself in the batting order instead of Azhar Mahmood and Moin Khan.
According to Sohail, during the World Cup Quarter-Final, Wasim Akram went to a Night Club just before the Bangalore match against India. When Aamir Sohail asked Wasim Akram about his fitness, Wasim said he was fit to play and that he would not miss such a crucial match. Aamir Sohail maintained that there is a team meeting before all important matches, but that no such meeting took place for this all important quarter final.
Before the Australasia Cup Final in 1994, Aamir Sohail maintained that he received a call from an Indian bookie who offered him Rs. 25 Lacs for getting himself out before scoring 10 runs and also getting Saeed Anwar run out. It was during this time that it was felt necessary for all the members of the team to take oath on the Holy Quran. Aamir Sohail maintained that the only reason Ata-ur-Rehman and Rashid Latif had lost their place in the National team was because they had exposed all the match fixers. Mr. Aamir Sohail maintained that during the 1994 Christ Church match, Mr. Majid Khan was very up-set about the rumours and had banned all telephone calls going to the players directly. This is the same match in which Ata-ur-Rehman later gave an affidavit. Aamir Sohail maintained that match-fixing mainly takes place in Sharjah and that Saleem Pervez had informed him that he had paid money to Salim Malik, Mushtaq Ahmad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.
The Rashid Latif Tapes.
Thereafter some tapes that had been produced by Rashid Latif were examined as were others that he submitted at later dates. These tapes contained the following conversations:
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Basit Ali' and 'Saeed Anwar',
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Basit Ali' and Salim Malik,
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Zia-ur-Rehman', brother of Ata-ur-Rehman,
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Ata-ur-Rehman' (and Ata's friend Makha),
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Saeed Anwar' (Poor Quality)
Another conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Saeed Anwar' (Poor Quality)
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Javed Burki'
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Arif Abbassi'
Conversation between Rashid Latif and Khalid Mehmood
Conversation between Rashid Latif and 'Dan Keisel' (very poor quality)
Efforts were made to authenticate these tapes, but such technology does not seem available in Pakistan.
Furthermore, a reason that makes this commission not be completely taken by these tapes is that some of the conversations of the tapes, when they were initially submitted, had been edited. Initially when Rashid Latif was asked as to why he had edited the tapes, he said because they contained insults, etc. He was asked to produce the original tapes nonetheless. The tapes that he submitted showed that this was not the only reason why the tapes had been edited. Crucially, mention of Basit Ali's involvement in match-fixing had been totally taken out of the tape containing conversation two (between Rashid Latif, Basit Ali and Salim Malik) when Rashid Latif submitted it to this Commission. Furthermore, some of Saeed Anwar's involvement in conversation one, in getting Salim Malik to call Rashid Latif and Basit had been cut out too. Subsequently, when Rashid Latif was asked to name who was the 'friend' mentioned in conversation 6, Rashid unconvincingly said it was Aamir Sohail. It appeared clear to this commission that the 'friend' was Saeed Anwar and the tape incriminated him to some extent. In light of these lingering doubts, it appeared to this commission that Rashid Latif may well have wanted to protect his friends, Saeed Anwar and Basit Ali. Rashid Latif may well have thought that these two can or should be protected as they by most accounts are allegedly one-time offenders. But that if indeed that is what happened, was not for him to decide.
CONCLUSION
The allegation that the Pakistan team is as a whole is involved in match-fixing is just based on allegation, conjectures and surmises without there being positive proof. As a whole, the players of the Pakistan Cricket team are innocent.
However, there is clear evidence of match-fixing against Mr. Salim Malik. He should be banned for life from Cricket. Further an inquiry should be conducted into his assets and charges brought against him in a criminal court of law.
The evidence against Wasim Akram has not come up to the requisite level, primarily because of Ata-ur-Rehman's perjuring himself. This Commission is willing to give him the benefit of doubt. However, there has been some evidence to cast doubt on his integrity. As such, this Commission recommends that he be removed from the captaincy of the Pakistan Cricket Team and a person of impeccable character be appointed. Moreover, he should be censured, kept under watch and his finances should be investigated.
Ata-ur-Rehman is being proceeded against for perjury. Further, it is recommended that he be banned from international cricket.
This commission recommends that PCB should enforce declaration of assets by all its players and, if necessary, initiate a probe into their accounts.
In addition to recommendation of other punishments, fines are recommended against the following players as follows (as explained esrlier):
Salim Malik Rs. 10 lac
Wasim Akram Rs. 3 lac
Mushtaq Ahmad Rs. 3 lac
Ata-ur-Rehman Rs. 1 lac
Waqar Younis Rs. 1 lac
Inzamam-ul-Haq Rs. 1 lac
Akram Raza Rs. 1 lac
Saeed Anwar Rs. 1 lac
It may be recommended inter alia that a watch-dog Review Committee be formed to deal with future allegations if any. Further that all Pakistani cricket players should declare their assets at the time they start their career at the national level and annually submit their asset forms to the Pakistan Cricket Board. A zero tolerance approach be taken against match-fixing in the future and strict discipline generally be maintained.
(Justice Malik Muhammad Qayyum)
Commission