Akram Retires Amid Scandal

Arguably the greatest all-rounder in Cricket today, Wasim Akram, former captain of Pakistan, has decided to retire from cricket to clear his name and reputation. The startling announcement comes in the midst of a legal battle in progress at the Lahore High Court over match-fixing and betting by Pakistani players. The main accused are Salim Malik, Ijaz Ahmed (his Brother-in-law) and Wasim Akram.

In an interview published in the Electronic Telegraph, Wasim is quoted as saying:
"I am fed up with the allegations. I have never been charged, never had an opportunity to answer the allegations,
never been shown any proof. When I met the members of the board in January, they made no charges against me and it
hurts me to give up cricket but my reputation is more important than glory."

Wasim Akram is on course to achieve one of the most coveted honors in all cricket - the highest test wicket-taker in history. He is only 90 short of Kapil Dev's record of 431, a task that should not take more than 15 tests at his current wicket average. "I am 32 and could go on for another three or four years. Last year I took 17
wickets in three Tests against the West Indies and with Australia coming I look forward to more, but I have to give up that
dream because I am totally disgusted by the way the Pakistan board have handled the whole issue."

Only a week before the Report from the PCB that incriminated him came out, Wasim had been asked by the chief PCB selector if he would be fit for the Sahara Cup against India.

Wasim has consistently denied accusations of corruption, and he said earlier this year: "I've earned good money playing top
cricket. I'm not going to lose my credibility for a few pennies."

He is also quoted in the interview as stating that the blame rests with PCB Head Majid Khan: "When Majid took over we all felt that as a great cricketer
he would be able to put things right in Pakistan cricket. But it hasn't worked out that way. Before I took the team to Australia
at the end of 1996 he told me 'with this team you will get hammered' and we went on to beat Australia and the West Indies
and win the B & H Cup. He does not like me and I don't quite know why, perhaps because he feels I am close to Imran
[Khan]. They are cousins but haven't spoken to each other for years and it all reflects the petty jealousies and rivalries that
is regrettably part of Pakistan cricket."

To add ignominy to the loss of one of Pakistan's all-time greats, arrest warrants have reportedly been issued for Intikhab Alam, Ramiz Raja, Basit Ali and Javed Burki for non-appearance in court.