Omar Khalid

Karachi, Nov 5 (IANS): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Friday threatened to sue former South Africa coach Mickey Arthur who alleged that he suspected that a 2007 match between the two countries in Lahore was "fixed".

PCB in a stern statement said Arthur should either back his claims with proof or face legal action.

"PCB has noted with concern the statement of former South African coach Mickey Arthur insinuating that a One-day International played at Lahore between Pakistan and South Africa in 2007 was fixed. PCB has decided to immediately serve a legal notice on Mickey Arthur asking him to share with PCB any evidence in this regard," said the statement.

The statement added that Pakistani cricket players reserve the right to initiate legal proceedings against Mickey Arthur, "including but not limited to seeking unqualified apology, retraction and damages".

"PCB reiterates that it has a zero tolerance towards corruption in cricket and will deal with any news concerning Pakistani players with utmost importance and due care," the statement concluded.

Pakistan lost that match following a dramatic collapse to hand South Africa a 3-2 series triumph.

Batting first, the South Africans scored 233 for nine in their 50 overs and in response Pakistan seemed set for a series-winning triumph at 149 for two.

But the hosts lost their last eight wickets for just 70 runs allowing the Proteas a 14-run victory.

"There was a strong suspicion of match-fixing and it took some of the gloss off the series win," Arthur said in an interview this week.

"We did not have any proof, but when you have been involved in the game long enough you know when something is not right," he said.

Shoaib Malik, who was the Pakistan's captain in the match, has rubbished Arthur's claims.

"His claim is ridiculous and I don't understand why after all these years he suddenly remembered this now," the all-rounder said in an interview before leaving for Hong Kong where he will be leading Pakistan in the Hong Kong sixes.

Pakistan cricket is going through a turmoil because of a spot-fixing scandal involving three of the leading players - Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.

The trio were provisionally suspended by the ICC Sep 2 after being accused of accepting bribes from match-fixers during the fourth Test against England at Lord's.

If proved guilt, the three players could be banned for life. The trio, however, maintain that they are innocent.