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Cricket ‘fix’ claims shock arrested man’s brother

LONDON - The brother and business partner of the man arrested in connection with matchfixing allegations involving the Pakistan cricket team has told The Associated Press he believes the reports are “just rubbish.”

Azhar confirmed his brother Mazhar Majeed was the man arrested by police after a report in British newspaper the News of the World alleged Pakistan players had deliberately bowled no-balls during the fourth and final test against England at Lord’s as part of a betting scam.

“I found it not laughable, because you don’t laugh at things like that, but I thought it was just rubbish,” Azhar Majeed said. “I saw the video of Mazhar sitting there counting out money on the table. They are alleging it was for matchfixing ... I have absolutely no idea about it whatsoever.”

Mazhar Majeed was secretly filmed by the newspaper apparently accepting 150,000 pounds ($232,000) in order to make sure no-balls were bowled at certain times during the match.

The newspaper claims several Pakistan players have profited from the scam.

Azhar Majeed, who says he and his brother are player agents, admitted he had been asked to leave Pakistan’s team hotel during the third test at the Oval, after the team’s security manager told him he was top of the list of people banned from entering players’ rooms.

“Security kept on hassling me, and I couldn’t understand what it was for, the reason I was top of the list,” Azhar Majeed said. “I couldn’t understand why. I found it a bit ludicrous for him to be chucking me out of hotel. Politely I went, but I have absolutely nothing to hide.”

Speaking about his brother’s arrest, Azhar Majeed continued: “I’m extremely worried. Nothing like this has ever happened to us. Ever. I have no idea as to what happened and what’s led to him counting out that money.”