23 March 2004	Tuesday	01 Safar 1425

LAHORE, March 22: In the wake of India's easy five-wicket victory over Pakistan on Sunday that prompted doubts the match may have been fixed, a top official of the cricket board on Monday called for respecting the sanctity of the series.

"The worst thing that we can do is to point fingers at the fairness of the series," Pakistan Cricket Board's chief executive Ramiz Raja said. After Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif guided their team to a series-levelling victory at the Qadhafi Stadium with consummate ease, Pakistan skipper Inzamamul Haq and Dravid were asked if every thing had been set up.

"There is no question of the match being fixed," Dravid said while Inzamam told a questioner to "shut up" when asked to comment on the subject. "Let's not dilute the sanctity of the series as both teams are under pressure," Ramiz said.

India, who were 94 for four in the 13th over, were rescued by Dravid and Kaif, both of whom cracked half centuries in an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 132 as the tourists were home with five overs to spare.

Both teams stand level 2-2 in the series with the deciding match, also in Lahore on Wednesday. Shaharyar M. Khan, the chairman of the PCB, said there was not even a shadow of doubt about the fairness of the match and dismissed a suggestion that the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) be asked to help clear doubts. "They are doing their job and are here not to face the public."

There have been reports that the bookies are working overtime, cashing in on a series that brings the subcontinent to a virtual standstill each time the sides are up against each other.

The series has generated such great interest that scores of the Indian fans have already arrived while others are still on their way. Among them are at least four ministers and some of Bollywood's big names.

To former captain Imran Khan's suggestion of Pakistan hiring a bowling coach, Shaharyar said it would be considered. "We don't need to panic and the appointment cannot be made during the current series.

"We will consider having not only a bowling coach but also one for fielding," the PCB chief remarked. Imran had said on Sunday that the excessive extra runs Pakistan have been generously giving away needed immediate attention.

"They are giving too many extras and they got three wickets off no balls. By allowing star batsmen chances you are asking for trouble," he told journalists.

Pakistan's speed king Shoaib Akhtar was the most erratic of all bowlers on Sunday bowling 14 wides in his nine overs while Shabbir Ahmed, his partner in attack, sent down five no balls and a wide.