Wasim Akram has hit back at Lord MacLaurin's call for him, and other players criticized in the Qayyum report, to be banned prior to England taking on Pakistan.

"I strongly condemn that. All such calls are negative tactics before the all-important Test series against England," said Akram.

"It's totally unnecessary and an attempt to distract us from the series against England."

"I will not comment on recommendations made by Justice Qayyum in the match-fixing inquiry and whether I approve of them or not, but after a comprehensive inquiry such calls for a ban against the players are baseless."

General Tauqir Zia, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board also criticized Lord MacLaurin.

"We have cleared our image and there is no need for such a statement by MacLaurin," he stated. "We conducted an inquiry, but what did they – the English authorities – do about allegations levelled by Chris Lewis who named three English players?"

"Let our players focus on the coming series and not distract them by such statements."

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