Akram may appeal against fine

Wasim Akram has announced that he is considering an appeal against the fine imposed upon him as a result of Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum's report into match fixing.

"I received a show cause notice from Pakistan Cricket Board, and will consult my lawyer before appealing against the fine," Akram commented.

The former captain and one of the games leading allrounders was fined 300,000 rupees, and criticized strongly in the report.

The under fire Wasim also admitted that he was "happy and relieved" to hear that a petition against those implicated in the report was dismissed by Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed as "publicity seeking." Qadir Khan Mandokhail, a local lawyer, had filed the petition last month demanding that the relevant players should be imprisoned. Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Saeed Anwar and Akram Raza were also fined, while Salim Malik and Ata-ur-Rehman received life bans.

"It's sad that people try to get publicity by disturbing their national heroes," Wasim said.

The report did not actually find Wasim Akram guilty of match fixing, though it is extremely critical of him. He is given "the benefit of the doubt..." but is "barely saved..." by "...insufficient evidence." Qayyum also recommends that he be "removed from the captaincy" as he is described as "...too sullied to hold that office." It was also recommended that Wasim be held under "strict vigilance..." and a "further probe...into his assets..." be made.

Wasim is expected to play a key role in the coming series against England, and in the ICC Trophy. "I am fit and will do my best in the coming season. We have a good team and will do well," he stated.