KARACHI: Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf, who has been withdrawn from the Champions Trophy following media reports he was under investigation by Mumbai police, will clear his name, his elder brother Adnan said on Saturday.
Adnan Rauf told reporters that Asad had returned to his hometown Lahore but could not speak to them because of the code of conduct for umpires on the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel.
Asad Rauf, 57, who has officiated 48 tests and 98 one-day internationals, was removed from the Champions Trophy panel this week by the sport’s world governing body.
That decision followed Indian media reports that he was allegedly under investigation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal, which has led to the arrest of three cricketers.
The ICC said it was in Asad’s best interests that he did not participate in next month’s tournament in England.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has distanced itself from the controversy, saying it had not been involved in Rauf’s appointment to work in the IPL.
“My brother is clean and is obviously upset with the way the Indian media has made insinuations and been hysterical about his involvement in the scandal,” Adnan said.
“He has returned home after completing his assignment and he will definitely come out clean. He will fight to any extent to let everyone know he is clean of any corruption,” he added.
Adnan said his brother had no links with any bookmakers and had always strictly adhered to the ICC code of conduct for umpires.
The PCB last month banned test umpire Nadeem Ghouri for four years after he was found discussing spot-fixing offers during a sting operation by an Indian news channel whose reporter posed as a bookmaker.
Umpire Rauf will clear his name, brother says
Umpire Rauf will clear his name, brother says
Saudi Pro League warns Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo no player is bigger than club
- Ronaldo did not take part in the club’s SPL win at Al-Riyadh on Monday and is now set to miss Friday night’s clash against Al-Ittihad
RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has warned Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo that “no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club” amid doubts over his future at Al–Nassr.
Ronaldo, reportedly unhappy at the club’s lack of transfer activity, did not take part in the club’s Saud Pro League win at Al-Riyadh on Monday and is now set to miss Friday night’s clash against Al-Ittihad.
In a statement issued to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.
“Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”
The 40-year Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Riyadh on Monday amid reports he is on strike over the club’s lack of transfer activity.
Portuguese media outlet A Bola reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was unhappy that Al-Nassr, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has not strengthened its squad as it challenges for the league title.
“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al–Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition,” the Saudi Pro League spokesperson said.
“Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.
“But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.
“Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.”
The Saudi Pro League spokesperson added: “The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.
“The focus remains on football – on the pitch, where it belongs – and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.”
