ISLAMABAD, March 23: The Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf on Friday dispelled charges of betting within the game and urged to refrain from speculations.

“These are just rumours and speculations and attempts to further hurt the Pakistan team who are shocked and hurt to the roots," Dr Nasim said.

At a press conference that lasted for just 15 minutes, the chairman said, “That Bob Woolmer’s death was a homicide came as a shock and added to the tragedy of Pakistan team’s defeat in the World Cup.”

He added the entire Pakistani nation was with the Woolmer family in this hour of mourning, adding: “But my earnest desire is to see the safe return of the Pakistan squad who have suffered immense trauma after the news of Woolmer’s homicide. The players should be with their families who are worried and concerned about them.”

Certainly, the team will cooperate and assist the Jamaican authorities in every possible way to ensure that the truth emerges and those responsible were brought to justice according to the Jamaican law, he said.

He further said that Jamaica’s investigating authorities, who were doing an admirable job, had indicated no delay and the squad would return on Saturday.