NOTTINGHAM, England, June 2 - (AFP) Cricket's match-fixing scandal has forced Wasim Akram to give up a lucrative job as a TV commentator.
The Pakistan all-rounder was due to be a member of UK station Channel Four's commentary team covering this summer's series here between England and the West Indies.
But the former Pakistan captain was severly censured in Justice Malik Mohammed Quyyum's report into match-fixing and betting allegations involving Pakistan cricketers.
In a statement issued here on Friday, Channel Four said that with match-fixing the central issue in world cricket the company did not want its ability to cover the controversial topic to be compromised in any way.
The statement concluded by saying: "In consultation with Channel Four, Wasim Akram has asked to be released from his contract in order to concentrate on his cricket career."
Wasim, 33, is currently playing club cricket in England for Birmingham League side Aston Unity.
South Africa great Barry Richards is the most likely replacement for Wasim.
The former Test opening batsman, who played county cricket for Hampshire, is already commentating for Channel Four on the current series between England and Zimbabwe. |
