CRICKET: Imran `did not call for hanging'

CRICKET

Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain, yesterday strongly denied a newspaper report that he had called for Pakistan cricketers to be hanged if they were found guilty of offering bribes. The Sydney Morning Herald said Imran told his country's cricket authorities that they must take bold action against players found guilty of attempted bribery.

"This is complete nonsense. I strongly deny that I ever called for their execution, which obviously is not the right punishment," Imran said. "This is not misquotation, it is total fabrication and please say this. I certainly did not speak to any Australian newspapers recently and not on this issue. They should be banned not executed.''

His remarks came after the sacking of the Pakistan captain, Salim Malik, who has been accused of offering bribes to two Australian players to throw a Test and given a week to explain his conduct.