Image courtesy of: The Hindu
Rauf refused to answer any questions during the press conference he organised
International Cricket Council (ICC) umpire Asad Rauf, who is currently under investigation by Mumbai police for having played a part in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match-fixing scandal, has continued to plead his innocence, stating “I strongly deny every allegation levelled against me”.
Rauf was withdrawn from the Champions Trophy list of umpires by the ICC and noted that he would co-operate with the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit should they need to question him any more.
“I am here in front of the media, after the ICC allowed me to record my statement,” Rauf said at a short press conference in Lahore. “I strongly deny every allegation levelled against me in India and I have never had any links with any sort of fixing there.”
It was Rauf’s idea to call the press conference as he wanted to clear his name, but at the entrance of the banquet hall, where the conference was held, there was a banner which read: “Stop doing propaganda against the pride of the country Mr. Asad Rauf, ICC umpire.”
Rauf stated he was there to “only to record his statement and nothing else” and would not be answering any questions.
Once completing his statement in 15 seconds, the media swarmed around Rauf and one reporter asked: “There are so many unanswered question, you have to tell, why did you leave India without informing the IPL authorities, what about he gifts they found there and what about the Mumbai police investigation there – will you face them?”
For a moment, Rauf took his seat and looked as if he were ready to answer the question, but he changed his mind once again and said: “I am only answerable to the ICC’s ACSU, I’m more than happy to talk to them if they constitute any inquiry.
“I am satisfied with the ICC’s decision to withdraw me because it may have caused a distraction while performing my role [as an umpire] amid the allegations. They have only withdrawn me from the Champions Trophy, not fired me. So it was their decision, with my consent, for the betterment of both me and the cricket.”