Wasim Akram’s betting files can be reopened: Shakil Sheikh

Pakistan Cricket Board’s inquiry committee head Shakil Sheikh on Wednesday said if Wasim Akram is in any way found involved in the team’s Asia Cup debacle, then he would be held accountable.

Reacting to Wasim’s press conference in Karachi a couple of days ago where the former captain had questioned the appointment of Shakil and the purpose of constituting the inquiry committee, Shakil said Wasim should first have a look at his own career and the many allegations against him before criticising others.

“Wasim’s past is well-known to everyone and old files in the board regarding his involvement in betting can be reopened anytime,” he said.

Referring to Justice Malik Qayyum’s report on match-fixing in the year 2000, Shakil said: “It is Wasim who has brought the menace of betting to Pakistan cricket.”

He said Wasim was not in favour of the inquiry committee as he feared something suspicious would come out against him.

Wasim, who has the highest number of Test wickets for Pakistan (414), was not immediately available for a reply.

Shakil said he has played competitive club level and other cricket and knows the game inside out. “When the Pindi Stadium was inaugurated, a match was held between Tauqir Zia XI and Journalist XI in which I scored an unbeaten 135,” he recalled.

“At another time during a good level match at F-9 Park cricket ground, I scored 42 and former West Indian captain Clive Lloyd, who was also present on the occasion, praised my batting.”