DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf was withdrawn from next month's Champions Trophy by the ICC on Thursday because Indian police are investigating his performances during the ongoing IPL.
"In the wake of reports ... we feel that is in Asad's best interests, as well as those of the sport and the event itself, that he is withdrawn from participating in the ICC Champions Trophy," the International Cricket Council said in a statement.
The Champions Trophy runs from June 6-23 in England. Rauf had been scheduled to officiate in a warm-up match between Australia and West Indies on June 1 in Cardiff, Wales. He was also due to take charge of two group matches in the tournament — Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand on June 9 and West Indies vs. South Africa on June 14, both in Cardiff.
Three players from IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, including India test bowler Shantakumaran Sreesanth, were suspended last week after allegations of spot-fixing.
Bookmakers and their associates have been arrested across the country in the past week, including domestic-level cricketers and Bollywood actor Vindoo Randhawa.
Last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board banned test umpire Nadeem Ghauri for four years for agreeing to extend undue favours for material gain during a sting operation by an Indian television station last year.
PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf distanced his organization from Rauf's case, as the investigation is being carried out on Indian soil.
"We have no role to play here and nothing to do with this case," Ashraf said.
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