Karachi, Sept. 16: Former Pakistan off-spinner Akram Raza is getting ready for his second innings as a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) umpire after he was allegedly caught betting during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.
Raza, 47, has filed an application with the PCB, asking the board to reconsider his snub after being cleared of any wrongdoing.
"I''m hoping that the board will allow me to return to action as I''ve always been sincere in my 30-year cricketing career, be it as a player or an umpire. I believe that there was a plan against me by an umpires'' lobby which dragged my name into the scandal because I was very going up the ladder very quickly," The Express Tribune quoted Raza, as saying.
Meanwhile, a PCB official confirmed that they have received Raza''s application along with the court''s judgement and they will be reviewing it.
"We''ve seen the documents provided by Raza and he is likely to be reappointed. The court has cleared him which makes his case stronger," the official said.
Another PCB official, however, said Raza''s appointment was unlikely as PCB chief Zaka Ashraf looked set to decide against it.
"Ashraf may decide against his appointment as there is no point in investing him. If we send his name to the International Cricket Council, they are likely to reject it," he said.
© ANI
