LAHORE: Former Test medium fast bowler Aaqib Javed said on Friday that if the story narrated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was true, then spot-fixing did occur in the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Aaqib was talking with media after recording his statement as an expert witness before the PCB Anti-corruption Tribunal probing allegations of spot-fixing.

He said anyone could play dot balls and players of the calibre of Chris Gayle could also play dot balls, and so too Sharjeel Khan.

The PCB alleged that it had proofs of Sharjeel’s involvement in spot-fixing that he had played two dot balls in the opening match of the PSL between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi according to the plan of bookies.

Aaqib said the tribunal did not show him any video or picture, or play any audio but narrated a story, according to which a plan for spot-fixing was made and it was executed exactly.

To a question, the former fast bowler urged the PCB to take stern action against those involved in the dirty practice. He said the cricketers should have informed the PCB immediately if any bookie had contacted them.

He added had the PCB taken action against those involved in such activities in 90s, the disease would not have spread. “Due to careless attitude of the PCB, youngsters find themselves attracted to such practices,” he maintained.

He also criticized the PCB for covering such cricketers in the past with the stance that they were talented so they should not be punished and they would not repeat their ‘mistakes’.

To another question, Aaqib said T20 cricket was unpredictable. A player could lose his wicket even on a full-toss delivery and sixes could be hit on good deliveries.

Former Test cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Sadiq Mohammad had told the tribunal in their statements that Sharjeel had played the dot balls on merit.

Meanwhile, PCB’s lawyer was delighted over Aaqib’s statement and praised him for being a fine cricketer and principled person.

He said Aaqib was of the view that spot-fixing was like a cancer and stern action should be taken against those involved in the crime.

The counsel further said an official from the England National Crime Agency would appear before the tribunal as a witness either personally or through Skype on July 13.

He requested the tribunal to question Sharjeel itself if the cricketer was not ready to answer the lawyer’s questions.

The attorney further said Nasir Jamshed’s lawyer was not well so he did not appear before the tribunal, however, he had submitted the answering brief to the tribunal.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2017