Imran Khan says allegations could be damaging for cricket

"I think it is a bit premature to make comments on such a sensitive issue but definitely if anyone is found guilty of wrong doing he should be given exemplary punishment," Imran told Geo News channel.

The former cricketer turned politician said he had also come to know about the allegations of spot-fixing against some members of the national team through the media.
"It is very disappointing to learn about these allegations which I hope are not true as they can cause great damage to our cricket," he said.

Imran said that the disorganised structure of Pakistan cricket was to blame for the controversies that constantly hit Pakistan cricket.

"There is a need to review the existing structure and change it for the better," he added.
Imran said if after investigations it was proven that some players had indeed indulged in spot-fixing then they should be given exemplary punishment.

"The punishment should be such that it sends out a strong message to our future generation of cricketers that crime never pays," Imran stated.But he insisted that the series should go on at all costs and the one-day matches should be played on schedule or any other decision would cause great damage to the image of international cricket.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has declined to make any comments on the ongoing investigations into the alleged spot fixing during the series in England.
The PCB said in a press release that since the matter was under investigation by the ICC and police it would not make any comments.

"No players nor team officials have been arrested in relation to this incident and the 4th npower Test match was held as scheduled on Sunday. As the match is now subject to a police investigation neither ICC, ECB, PCB nor the ground authority, the MCC, will make any further comment until the completion of investigation," the statement said.
The board also said that its Chairman, Ijaz Butt had reported the whole affair and the inspection of the team hotel by the police to the President and Prime Minister and was keeping them updated on all developments.

The statement said that the Pakistan high commission in the UK has also requested the British Foreign Office to allow access to the PCB and PHC into the investigations after the arrest of the British businessman of Asian origin for conspiracy to defraud bookmakers.