Rana Naveed rejects any link with BPL fixing

Pakistani pacer, Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan, has denied any alleged link with the spot-fixing incident, which occurred during an important match of the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League, on February 27, 2012.

The issue rose when Bangladesh police arrested a Pakistani national Sajid Khan, who was caught on the basis of his suspicious activities throughout the match between the Chittagong Kings and Barisal Burners, and was later sent to jail after being investigated by the ICC anti-corruption officials.

Rana, while talking to Pakpassion, claimed that the authorities did confront him regarding the whole issue, while also showing him pictures of the offender. The player went on to clarify his stance by saying that he did indeed meet Sajid during a domestic match in Pakistan, where the suspect had come over to meet him as a fan. However, the fast-bowler denied having any long lasting relationship with the convicted man.

“After that day I never saw him again or heard from him at all. I provided the Bangladeshi authorities with the information they needed from me and as far as I am concerned there is nothing more to it. I have no idea how he obtained my email address,” inquired Rana.

According to reports, authorities have also found bank account details of a Pakistani player after confiscating the mobile of the suspect. Rana, however, commented that he had fully cooperated with the concerned authorities and provided them with all the relevant details.

“I provided the Bangladeshi authorities with the information they needed from me and as far as I am concerned there is nothing more to it. I have no idea how he obtained my email address,” said the pacer.

The incident came into notice when the convict was observed by the Bangladeshi security officials, where he used to make calls to Pakistan following a six or a dismissal. In addition, his failed attempts to enter the player zone also added concerns over his intentions.

Earlier, the former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza also revealed, before the beginning of the tournament, that he was approached by a spot-fixer. His daring claims raised doubts over the fair-play of the first ever cricket league in this region.

This is not the first time Pakistani players are involved in spot-fixing controversy. The last high-profile affair ended in jail terms for three Men in Green players, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir after all were found guilty.