I didn't accuse cricketers: Qadir by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	Abdul Qadir
Event:	Pakistan in Sri Lanka 2009

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DateLine: 12th August 2009

 

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir has backed down from his comments that some Pakistan players could have contact with suspected Indian bookmakers.

 

"I never took any names. I only voiced my suspicions like others were doing that the cricket board needed to hold a thorough inquiry into the reports that players might have had contacts with Indian bookmakers in Colombo," former chief selector Qadir told Geo Super channel.

 

Qadir was heavily criticised by PCB chairman Ejaz Butt and team coach Intikhab Alam for making the match fixing allegations.

 

"They can take me to the supreme court or high court. I am not scared. I said what everyone else was saying and I did not take any names," he said.

 

The ICC yesterday cleared the Pakistan players of having contacts with the bookmakers who reportedly tried to approach the cricketers in a Colombo hotel during the recent Test series.

 

Qadir though continued to insist that he stood by his earlier demand that the PCB must hold an independent inquiry into the matter.

 

"I have always said that our players flop when under pressure and when they are required the most to perform. This is a problem the board must look into. I had told the chairman when I was chief selector that any player no matter who senior he is, if he is not performing he must go," Qadir added.