Four Australian players have alleged that Salim Malik offered them bribes to fix matches during the 1994 tour. With evidence still to be heard the judge has asked for an extension of the original two months deadline and his report is unlikely to be forwarded to the Minister of Sport until late November.

Agreeing for the first time to be interviewed in his chambers Judge Qayyum spoke of the ``slur'' that has descended not just on the sport but on his country. ``If this was only a domestic issue we would not be wasting our time. But this has international dimensions,'' he said. ``The difficulty facing me is why should these people be giving false evidence.'' Then, with a hint at the way his mind is working, the judge added: ``It is very hard to doubt the Australians.''

The evidence of the four Australian players was not accepted by a previous judge and two, Shane Warne and Tim May, are not here to tell their story again. Mark Waugh and Mark Taylor have now appeared before Judge Qayyum and the Australian captain clearly made an impression. ``It all depends on whether I believe Mark Taylor or not - and he is a national asset,'' he said.

So too were players such as Wasim Akram, the subject of accusations along with Malik and Ijaz Ahmed. ``They are ambassadors for Pakistan and one tends to give them the benefit of the doubt as far as possible. The standard of proof must be more strict because they are national assets. The mind of the public is already prejudiced against them by trial in the Press.

``But if there is evidence they must be taken to task as an example to others. If President Clinton is made to face the music, then why not these people?''

Judge Qayyum has the power to recommend prosecution on such charges as perjury, bribery and fraud, from which jail terms could stem. He can also suggest ways in which betting and match-fixing can be stamped out.

In the coming weeks he will view video-recordings of the matches involved. That will be a labour of love for the judge who is an avid cricket follower, was once a batsman for his local club and has been collecting autographs of those appearing before him.