The commission, consisting of Justice Malik Muhammad Qayyum, on the last date of hearing had observed that in the light of the contentions made by some witnesses it was necessary to hear the ex-NBP employee.

The commission commenced the proceedings of the day in open court when the employees' counsel Muhammad Ramzan Chaudhry requested for in camera hearing because, he said, the witness might make consequential disclosures and which might have a bearing on the case.

The cricket board chairman said that he had been associated with cricket in different capacities for the last 25 years and he did not have any personal knowledge about match-fixing.

The PCB chairman said that the issue was being exploited by people within and outside the country for their own interests. He said that a pattern has emerged regarding the timing when the allegations were made against the team. Last time, he said the issue was raised in 1996 before the World Cup and this time again it was raised when the World Cup of 1999 was approaching.

It said that it was a ploy to demoralize the Pakistani team. He said that some foreign teams lacked sportsman spirit and indulged in ``sledging'' to win matches.

Within the country, he said that the local media had behaved irresponsibly benefiting from ineffective libel laws and lack of a system of self accountability. He said that some vested interests also played up the issue to create vacancies in the team.

Mr Mahmood said that he was the first person to have raised the issue in Pakistan and he formed a probe committee.

He said that he wanted the issue to be resolved for ever and that no innocent person should be slandered.

He said that he had always called for investigating the allegations thoroughly so as to find the truth. He said that he did not want the issue to be swept under the carpet.

Regarding a one-day match in England in 1992 which was said to have been fixed, the PCB chairman said that it was played on a dead wicket. He said that the match was not fixed.

Advocate Kazim Khan on the behalf of an alleged bookie Raja Zafar Iqbal submitted a reply to a show cause notice for allegedly lying in the court. Mr Raja's brother had admitted in the court that he made minor bets on matches with his friends while he said that his brother did not bet.

Counsel said that his client was looked after by his elder brother after their father's death a long time back and he out of respect could not say that his elder brother made bets. He apologized to the court and surrendered himself to its mercy.

Mr Raja denied all charges of betting and said that he was involved in the case because he was Wasim Akram's friend and neighbour. Further proceedings will be held on Saturday.