Pakistan manager says no hint of match-fixing

Manchester, June 3: Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed said on Sunday there had been no hint that bookmakers were attempting to fix the current series against England.

A report in Sunday's News of the World said the head of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit Paul Condon had warned officials from both countries "on a potential threat by known corrupters to influence the series".

"I saw it in the papers but as far as I am concerned there has been no hint of anything this tour," Saeed revealed.

"A warning is always welcome but we have already have our eyes and ears open. I have full faith in my team."

A spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed it had received the warning.

"The ECB were informed by the Anti-Corruption Unit of a possible threat to influence the outcome of the first test against Pakistan," he said.

"As a result, all the England players were reminded of the need for ever-present vigilance and to report any suspicious approaches to the management."

Condon said in the interests of confidentiality it was not possible to say any more at present.

"However, the information we have received demands we take this potential threat seriously, which is why the ECB and the Pakistan Cricket Board were advised of the situation," he said.

England won the first test at Lord's by an innings and nine runs within three days after the opening day was washed out completely.

The second and final test, currently taking place at Old Trafford, was evenly poised at the start of Sunday's fourth day.

Former London metropolitan police chief Condon's first report into corruption, published last month, said match-fixing was still a problem in the game.

England's Michael Atherton looks on as Pakistan's Waqar Younis (L) celebrates taking his wicket during the second test at Old Trafford on June 1, 2001. Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed said on Sunday there had been no hint that bookmakers were attempting to fix the current series against England.