KARACHI, June 22: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Saturday said the match-fixing and betting controversy in the country was now dead and buried.

“We conducted two inquiries and now feel that match-fixing controversy in Pakistan cricket is dead and buried,” PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said in a brief statement from Lahore.

Justice Karamat Bhandari report exonerated the Pakistan World Cup team of all charges. But in an absolutely contrasting report in May 2000, two Pakistan players were banned for life while six others were penalized by the establishment on Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum report.

Saeed Anwar, who was fined on the basis of Justice Qayyum’s recommendation, said from Lahore he was more than relieved.

“I am relieved because I was incorrectly involved. After reading this report, I think all allegations, doubts on Pakistan cricket and its players are finished once and for all,” he said.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was also fined on Justice Qayyum’s recommendation, speaking from Melbourne, said it was time for the critics to `shut up’.

“It is a slap on the face of those who suspected our integrity and honesty. They now should understand clearly that Pakistan players play for their country and not for money.

“I firmly believe that the already excellent performance of the team will now be more consistent and even better because there will be no more pressure.”