KARACHI, Feb 4: Nine persons were held on the charges of betting on Australia-South Africa cricket match in Faisalabad, police said Monday.

A huge amount was also seized from the men who were receiving bets on the last league game between Australia and South Africa at the Perth. The tie attracted large betting as the fate of Aussies depended on the game.

Australia needed one bonus point besides beating South Africa to oust New Zealand from the best of three finals starting from Wednesday. Betting is illegal in Pakistan but cricket matches, especially one-day games attract large betting throughout the country.

The illegal business has flourished in the Punjab province since 1994.—SADA