Pak World Cup inquiry seeks Bacher's help

Pakistan's inquiry into match-fixing allegations at the last World Cup is seeking the help of the United Cricket Board of South Africa in persuading Dr Ali Bacher to make a statement.

Bacher, former head of the UCB, voiced the allegations in 2000 when giving evidence to the King commission in South Africa, which probed the activities of disgraced former captain Hansie Cronje and other South African players.

"We have sent a letter to the South African cricket board asking them to convince Dr Bacher to give his statement in person or by post to the commission," Kazim Ali Malik, registrar of the commission, told Reuters on Tuesday.

The inquiry commission headed by Justice Karamat Bhandari has been asked by the government to investigate allegations that Pakistan played two 'fixed' matches against Bangladesh and India in the last World Cup.

"We decided to approach the (board) after sending two letters to Dr Bacher requesting him to either appear in person before the commission and/or send us in writing any information he might have on the two matches," said Malik.

"We really don't know why Dr Bacher has not responded so far to our letters. The commission feels his statement or any information he can share with it would have a important bearing on his findings."

The commission which has held proceedings in the Lahore High Court since September 22 last year is set to wind up its inquiry and submit a report to the government by January 31.

"Even if the South African board cannot help us get Dr Bacher to give a statement, the commission will call no more witnesses and will submit its report on time," Malik said.

The World Cup inquiry commission is the second major probe into match-fixing allegations held in Pakistan.

The first headed by Justice Malik Qayyum recommended a life ban on former captain Salim Malik and fines on Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, and Inzamam-ul Haq.

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