Pakistan match fixing inquiry judge criticises inaction

By Waheed Khan

KARACHI (Reuters) - A former Pakistani High Court judge who held a detailed inquiry into the match-fixing scandal in Pakistan has criticised the game for not doing enough to root out the menace from the game.

Justice Malik Qayyum, who in 2000 recommended a life ban on former captain, Salim Malik for his involvement in match fixing, said a fresh inquiry must be held into allegations that Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer's death was due to a betting mafia.

"I feel now that perhaps all the hard work I did in confirming that match fixing took place in cricket has gone down the drain with Woolmer's death," Qayyum told Reuters on Thursday.

"I feel dismay and grief at his death and disappointment that not enough has been done to fight people involved in corruption in cricket," he said.

SHOCK DEFEAT

Woolmer, 58, was found lifeless in his room on March 18 the day after a shock defeat by debutants Ireland ensured an early World Cup elimination for Pakistan, the 1992 winners. He was pronounced dead later that day in hospital.

The following Thursday, police announced they were treating the death as murder.

Qayyum felt that if all the recommendations he made had been followed properly, cricket would not be facing such match-fixing allegations.