Butt apologises for allegations about Oval game

Stephen Brenkley
Thursday 30 September 2010 00:00 BST
Comments
Butt accused the England team of match fixing
Butt accused the England team of match fixing (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Pakistan bowed to the inevitable last night and issued an abject apology to England's cricketers. Ijaz Butt, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, conceded that he had been entirely wrong to make the accusations of wrongdoing.

In a joint statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the PCB, Butt said: "I wish personally and on behalf of the PCB to withdraw the comments I made concerning the ECB and each of the England players who played in the one-day international at the Oval on Friday 17 September.

"It is regrettable there was a misunderstanding arising from my comments. I would like to make it quite clear that in statements which I made I never intended to question the behaviour and integrity of England players nor the ECB nor to suggest that any of them were involved in any corrupt practices or in a conspiracy against Pakistan cricket.

"I have never seen any evidence of any wrongdoing by any England player or the ECB at any time. I deeply and sincerely regret that my statements have been interpreted to cast doubt upon the good names of the England players and the ECB."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in