ECB seeks unreserved apology from Butt

An enraged England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday sought an "unreserved apology" from PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt for making match-fixing allegations against English players during the ODI series of the just-concluded stormy tour by Pakistan.

"The ECB and the Professional Cricketers Association on Thursday confirmed that a pre-action letter has been sent on behalf of the England cricket team to Ijaz Butt, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, following his allegations that the England team were involved in fixing the outcome of the third NatWest Series one-day international between England and Pakistan, played at the Brit Insurance Oval on Friday," the ECB said in statement here.

The ECB said failing an apology, it would take legal action against Butt who caused a sensation by saying that English cricketers were paid "enormous amounts of money" by bookies to throw the third ODI of the five-match series which the hosts won 3-2.

"The letter seeks a full and unreserved apology. Mr Butt has been advised that if a satisfactory response is not received, legal proceedings will be commenced against him without further notice," the statement read.

The acrimonious tour, during which three Pakistani cricketers were suspended for alleged spot-fixing, came to an yesterday but the drama could continue for some time as the PCB too has threatened to make public the names of those who were involved in "framing" its players.

First Published: Sep 23, 2010 17:31 IST