Two former Bangladesh captains Khaled Mahmud and Khaled Mashud Pilot are considering legal actions against a Bangla daily for running a report on Friday alleging that the duo was involved in match and spot fixing.
“I am going to meet my lawyer today [Saturday] as this is a very sensitive matter. I do not want to do anything in a hurry, but yes I am going to take legal actions against the daily, as I have already said I am not or never was involved in anything like this,” said Mahmud while talking to the Dhaka Tribune on Saturday.
Mahmud, who represented Bangladesh in 12 Tests and 77 ODIs, is currenty a successful coach in the domestic circuit and was concerned that the allegations tarnished his image.
“For the past couple of days, people, who are close to me have asked if I was involved, and they believe what I say. But the country should know as well that I am innocent, and I personally want this matter to be investigated. I am sure my innocence will be proved,” said Mahmud.
Asked if he knew how his name came up in the issue, Mahmud said, “I have nothing to do with match fixings. I don’t know how my name have been linked into this.”
The former captain added that, during his time as a director of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s adhoc committee, he proposed to have ICC’s Anti-Corruption Security Unit’s (Acsu) presence in the second edition of Bangladesh Premier League, which was eventually granted by the board, proves his fairness to the game itself.
He refused making any comments while asked if he thought Mohammad Ashraful really revealed all this, “I really don’t know who said this things and on what basis. I don’t want to talk about it. It is important for me to prove that I am innocent.”
Meanwhile, another national captain and wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud also denied the allegations brought against him and plans to sit with Mahmud to decide the next step.
