Arthur told South African website News24 last month that his
team suspected match fixing when Pakistan collapsed dramatically to lose the
fifth and decisive ODI to South Africa in Lahore three years ago.
“PCB has decided to immediately serve a legal notice to
Micky Arthur asking him to share with PCB any evidence in this regard,” the
cricket board said in a statement.
“If the evidence is not provided, PCB and Pakistani players
reserve the right to initiate legal proceedings against Micky Arthur but not
limited to seeking unqualified apology, retraction and damages.” Pakistan
looked set to beat South Africa in 2007 and also clinch the series, but slipped
from a strong positions at 149-2 and 209-6 to 219 all out in pursuit of a
234-run target.
Arthur claimed that he did not have any proof of match fixing,
but “how else do you explain a batting side needing only 40 runs with seven
wickets in hand, and then losing?” The PCB said it has a zero tolerance policy
toward corruption in cricket and “will deal with any news concerning Pakistani
players with utmost importance and due care.”
Three Pakistan players - former captain Salman Butt, and
fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif — have been suspended since
September over spot fixing claims by a British tabloid during a test against
England in late August.
