PCB send legal notice to Rashid Latif over bookie claims

Former Pakistan cricketer – Rashid Latif (C)

The Pakistan Cricket Board have sent a legal notice to former international cricketer Rashid Latif, after he had claimed that the PCB had entertained as a guest, one of the bookmakers named in the Danish Kaneria case.

Anu Bhatt had been named as an accused in the Danish Kaneria spot-fixing case in England last year. It was proved that Kaneria had brokered a deal between Bhatt and Essex county cricketer Mervyn Westfield in the season of 2009, and was subsequently banned for life.

Rashid Latif had sensationally claimed that Anu Bhatt was often seen as a guest of the PCB authorities in 2005. He wanted the PCB to fight for Kaneria, as the leg-spinner had appealed against his ban and requested a reduction in his sentencing.

The PCB had rejected both of these pleas from Kaneria.

“I know that Bhatt used to be PCB’s regular guest, and I stand by each and every word of mine,” Latif said last week, as reported by NDTV Sport.

Taffazul Rizvi the PCB’s legal advisor has stated the board’s stance – that Latif would have to provide proof, or apologize if he is unable to do so.

“We have sent a notice to Latif demanding credible evidence like an air ticket (to Bhatt) or hotel accommodation as proof within the next three days or apologise,” said Rizvi.

“In case he doesn’t do that we keep the right for a legal action.” he added.

The PCB have labelled Latif’s allegations as “baseless and stupid.”