Pakistan corruption report delayed again

KARACHI, MAY 8. The publication of a much-delayed report on corruption in Pakistan cricket has been put off again because of legal questions by Pakistan's president, cricket officials said.

The report was expected to have been made public after the end of the first Test against the West Indies in Georgetown, Guyana, on Tuesday, but may now be delayed for several weeks, officials said.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Tauqir Zia told Reuters from Lahore late on Sunday that the delay was caused because President Rafiq Tarar, who is the patron of the PCB, said he had legal questions about the report.

``I received the report...but I have been told to seek advice from legal experts. There are certain points the President wants to clarify,'' Zia said.

He added that the PCB hoped to resolve the situation within the next three to four days. ``The board is not playing delaying tactics. We have an obligation and a promise to fulfill. The report will be made public as soon as legal aspects are covered,'' Zia said.

Zia said last week, before his meeting with the President, that he had received the report that it would be released after the opening Test.

The investigation into allegations that some Pakistan Test players had fixed matches started in 1998 and a report by Judge Malik Mohammad Qayyum was submitted to the government last November.

Qayyum, who has said he was disappointed that the report had not yet been released, said last month he had recommended life bans against some players and tough penalties against others.

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Section  : Sport
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