'Charge-sheeted' Pak umpire Asad Rauf claims innocence in IPL spot-fixing case

Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf has reportedly claimed his innocence despite being named in the controversial Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal.

Rauf, who has been charge-sheeted in the spot-fixing case, was named 'wanted accused' along with 15 bookies from Pakistan.

According to the Daily Times, however Rauf claimed that he is innocent of all charges and called for proof of the allegations against him, saying that discussion and information are two different things.

Although Rauf did not say whether he knew Indian actor Vindoo Dara Singh, who has also been implicated in the scandal, he said that he has numerous friends, which does not mean that he is involved in everything that they do.

Stating that he would explain his stand to ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit, Rauf further said that he would answer through his legal advisor whenever the ICC calls him for an explanation, adding that he has officiated in five IPLs before without any sniff of a scandal.