May 11, 2007	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 23, 1428

LAHORE, May 10: Former Test leg-spinner and ex-coach Mushtaq Ahmad, reacting sharply to a news item regarding gifting of champagne bottles to late Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer by him, said on Thursday that all such stories were being spread to create needless controversy over the murder saga.

Talking to reporters here, Mushtaq said though he did give the bottles to Woolmer, he had already explained the factual position regarding the same while recording his statement before the Jamaican police.

Mushtaq, who came to Lahore from London for a two-day visit, said in fact the bottles were given to him by one of his friends, Abdul, for Pakistan team's liaison officer. He dropped the bottles at his (Mushtaq) room, since the liaison officer was not around at the time.

“In the meantime, Bob came to my room to inquire about my health since a ball had hit me in the face during the nets the same morning,” said Mushtaq. "Woolmer asked me for the bottles and I gave him since the liaison officer was not there and I am not fond of liquor at all," he added.

"The entire incident happened in front of some players who were sitting in my room when Bob came to inquire my health," he said.