Monday, August 30, 2010

The popular Pakistani actress Veena Malik alleged that Asif has been in touch with bookmakers in the recent past.

'Asif had links with bookies'
Monday, August 30, 2010, 11:14 [IST]


Mohammad Asif's former girlfriend, Veena Malik, has claimed that she has proof of the Pakistan pacer's involvement in spot-fixing.

The popular Pakistani actress alleged that Asif has been in touch with bookmakers in the recent past.
Veena, who broke up with Asif earlier this year, said on a television that Asif used to be in touch with an Indian bookmaker named Dikshit, who paid him for spot-fixing in matches.

"Asif used to call up this Indian bookmaker and other bookies as well on the phone of his servant. I have evidence of the messages he exchanged with the bookies," she said as she waved around a paper having a list of messages.

Malik broke up with Asif after the latter married as per his parents wishes.

Veena had filed a court case against Asif for recovery of some Rs 13 million earlier this year after their break-up, with the cricketer denying he owed her anything.

After an ugly exchange of allegations in the media, both reached a settlement on the intervention of a mutual friend.

Veena said Asif had told her that Pakistan would not win any Test series until 2010 and that good money was to be earned from spot fixing without affecting results of the matches.

"I have more evidence of his involvement and I can show that he and some other players also indulged in spot fixing on the Australian tour," she said.

Malik also alleged that Asif had paid bribes to escape a longer suspension when he tested positive in a dope test during the Indian Premier League two years back.

Bookie Mazhar Majeed, who was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers, has been bailed without charge

Agent Majeed held for betting scandal gets bail
Monday, August 30, 2010, 11:41 [IST]


Bookie Mazhar Majeed, who was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers, has been bailed without charge over an alleged betting scam involving the Pakistan national team.

The 35-year-old was arrested in the UK after a News of the World report alleged he offered bribe to certain Pakistani bowlers to manipulate a Test match against England.

England won the Test at Lord's by an innings and 225 runs - Pakistan's heaviest Test defeat - securing a 3-1 series victory.

Pakistan's captain Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal were all questioned by police and had their phones confiscated, according to the British tabloid.

Today, Scotland Yard said Majeed had been bailed to appear before police at a future date, Sky News reported.

Undercover reporters from The News of the World claimed Aamir and Asif had bowled prearranged no-balls on the opening day of the Test on Thursday exactly as Majeed described during a secretly filmed meeting on the night before the Test at Lord's.

The footage shows Majeed apparently counting out £150,000 ($US233,000) given to him from investigators from the newspaper, who were posing as front men for a Far East gambling cartel. The money was deemed their "entry ticket" into Majeed's alleged operation.

Pakistan Sports Minister Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani has promised life ban for any Pakistan cricketer found guilty of match-fixing.

The nation's President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a detailed report from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Majeed's brother and business partner Azhar Majeed said the claims were "laughable", adding: "I thought it was just rubbish.