Probe body warns top Pakistani players may be punished

The judge called Wasim and Malik to his chamber and told them there was evidence ``against them of involvement in match fixing and betting so they come fully prepared in the next meeting,'' the Pakistan Cricket Board's legal advisor Ali Sibtain Fazli said.

The commission had summoned 12 players over the allegations but Fazli said only eight responded.

The commission issued bailable warrants against a wicketkeeper, Rashid Latif for his failure to turn up for cross examination, Fazli said.

Rashid, who is attending to his sick father, criticised the working of the commission in a press interview on Wednesday.

``What he has said can come under contempt of court so warrants have been issued and Judge Malik Mohammad Qayyum was furious over his remarks,'' Fazli told AFP.

Basit Ali and Moin Khan also failed to appear. The reason for their absence was not immediately known. However fellow paceman Ata ur-Rehman, who also did not show up, has said his wife is sick in England, sources said.

Wasim, Malik, Ejaz Ahmed, Mushtaq Ahmed and Waqar Younis -- all allegedly involved in match fixing and betting -- appeared to cross examine their accusers.

Wasim, Malik and Ejaz were implicated in an interim report by an earlier investigation committee in September.

The judge adjourned the hearing till January 16 after Wasim's lawyer Hasan Tariq Rahim requested details of allegations against his client.

Current captain Aamir Sohail, paceman Aaqib Javed and former manager Intikhab Alam, who accused team players of involvement in illegal practices, were present in the court.

``We have also told Malik he can have a last chance to cross question Australian players if he intends to join the commission in Melbourne,'' Fazli said.

Mark Waugh, Shane Warne and another Australian player Tim May had alleged Malik offered them bribes to perform poorly during Australia's 1994 tour of Pakistan.

Malik was absolved of charges after the Australian trio refused to come to Pakistan to substantiate the allegations.

Fazli, his assisstant Ali Sajjad and Registrar of the Lahore High Court Abdus Salam Khawar, are to leave for Australia on Januray 5 to cross examine Waugh and Warne over the allegations.

The hearing is scheduled in Melbourne on January 8, he said.

A former International player, Salim Pervez, has also claimed he gave Malik and Mushtaq 100,000 dollars to throw a match in 1994 in Sri Lanka.

A warrant was also issued against Pervez for not attending Thursday's proceedings.

Paceman Ata-ur-Rehman has also alleged Wasim offered him money to bowl poorly against New Zealand in the Christchurch one-day International in 1994.