``Though I am the target of criticism and accused of being involved in unethical activities, yet I am ready to present myself before that committee.

``It would be a new chapter in Pakistan cricket history and would go a long way in cleaning the image of the players and country. These baseless and unproven stories are severely denting the reputation of the country and the team,'' Akram told Dawn at the National Stadium. Akram said that he was ready to show his bank balance and assets. ``I am ready to present everything before the nation because I don't want to fall in the eyes of those who have always prayed and wished for my success.''

Akram, denying his involvement, argued that he was one of the most well off cricketers. ``Most of my earnings are from Lancashire for whom I have been playing for the last 10 years. Besides, everyone knows how much every individual got after winning the 1992 World Cup. The national team's sponsorship revenues and the players fees also are in millions. ``I would only be a foolish person to lose my reputation for a few pennies.''

Akram stated that whatever committee the cricket board will constitute, he will appear before it. ``But personally I would like the committee to be headed by a senior judge like India did last year or for that matter Pakistan did in 1995.''

The speedster said every member of the team should be invited to appear before that panel and record his statement. ``I would accept the findings of the committee and so will every member of the team.''

Akram said the cricket board was not supporting him in the most difficult phase of his career. He said he was not sure what the reasons were ``but certainly I am missing their support.

``On the other hand, I am receiving regular calls from my Lancashire colleagues who have been supporting and backing me. But when your own institution fails to come to your rescue, it hurts and that is precisely where the people start suspecting your creditability.''

Defending his case, Akram argued that it was the gambling mafia which was leaking baseless stories. ``It is that mafia that puts the money on a team and when it loses, raise a hue and cry.

``I strongly urge the government to ban and penalise illegal betting and put those behind the bars who put money on the Pakistan team and then defame the cricketers.''