Players Will Get Life Bans If They Involve in Fixing - Minister

Karachi: Sports minister Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani has promised life bans for any Pakistan cricketers found guilty of match-fixing after a man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers.

On Saturday, London police said they arrested a 35-year-old for offering bribes to some Pakistan players for spot fixing in the fourth Test against England at Lord's following allegations in the tabloid newspaper, the News of the World.

England went on to clinch victory on Sunday by an innings and 225 runs, winning the series 3-1.

"We are waiting for a detailed report from the Pakistan Cricket Board and if any players are found guilty of being involved in fixing they will be banned for life," Jakhrani said on Sunday.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a detailed report from the cricket board over the allegations.

Spot fixing involves betting on incidents during a match, such as no-balls and wides, which have been pre-arranged.

Zardari's spokesperson, Farhatullah Babar, said the President wanted to be kept informed of developments and the status of any inquiry that may be ordered or held in London.

"The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (Ijaz Butt) has been directed to immediately submit a preliminary report about the incident," said Babar.

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Pakistan vs New Zealand - 5th T20I Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians - 43rd Match Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals - 44th Match 45th Match - Gujarat Titans v Royal Challengers Bangalore - April 28, 10:00 GMT 46th Match - Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad - April 28, 14:00 GMT 42nd Match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Punjab Kings at Kolkata Punjab Kings won by 8 wickets (with 8 balls remaining) 4th T20I - Pakistan v New Zealand at Lahore New Zealand won by 4 runs

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